Going back to our last RV trip, we stopped in
Americus, GA. The world headquarters of Habitat for Humanity is located here. Not far from the headquarters building is an
information center where you can learn about the work of the organization around
the world. A volunteer will give a brief
overview of the operation followed by a very impressive video of the sad living
conditions of millions of people.
After you watch the video, you can walk thru a self
guided tour. First on the walking trail
is examples of how the poor live in various countries. After you complete this section, you enter an
area where you will see the types of buildings that the organization builds for
families in countries around the world and how their design matches the culture
and climate of these places. They make
the point that this is a self help program.
Those selected to receive a house must work on the project themselves
and must pay a no interest loan back.
If you have never seen these living conditions, it
is an eye opening experience.
10 comments:
We've visited countries where people live in houses like that. We've also seen dung huts that serve as houses. Your tour was interesting for sure.
Our church builds a HH house each summer. Since we are in the area during that time, I am the food volunteer coordinator. It is amazing what the home owners have to do before they receive their home. Many people think it is a hand out but that is so far from the truth. Another misconception is that it is free to them. No way!
I hope we get to this area one day, so I can visit the main office. Thanks for all the great photos.
We were there a few years ago. Eye opener, isn't it?
On our worse day we forget how fortunate we are. Very interesting post. I knew a little about Habitat but didn't know all of this. Thanks!!
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I remember seeing a huge section of San Salvador with housing like you depict, and even worse. I've always held a special place in my heart for Habitat for Humanity, and for Jimmy Carter for what he did to publicize the great work they do,
It's an eye opening experience just looking at your pictures. I've seen housing that you just can't believe on some of the news programs about Africa and South America, Mexico and the Middle East. Many people in this country are so lucky. It's why so many want to come here. Although I do wonder why Habitat is overseas before they have upgraded all the horrific housing in some places in our own country. I fear it may all get worse in the next 4 years.
I've seen real poverty overseas in my travels, heartbreaking to say the least.
Oh my goodness, the photos you show -- thank you for sharing. We've seen some real poverty conditions ourselves, both in our own country and in others. We support Habitat for Humanity, believing it to be a good program. Next time we're in GA, we'll check it out.
a good cause. We don't always remember how lucky we are.
Interesting ... I had no idea there was an HH museum of sorts. Some of those living conditions seem familiar from our travels. I had no idea there was a no interest loan involved ... I find that people always appreciate what they have more if it is not a handout.
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