Debra DeWitz

Malawi is a country of immense beauty — and extreme poverty. It is one of the least developed countries in the world. The economy is predominately agricultural and is dependent on substantial international assistance.

Seventy-five percent of the population lives on less than US$2 a day. Because of the widespread poverty, four out of five families live in substandard homes, with little hope of ever being able to afford a decent house. A typical village hut is built of mud and daub with a dirt floor and thatched roof. The conditions put families at high risk of disease.

Habitat for Humanity Malawi, established in 1986, constructs houses of burnt clay bricks, concrete floors and tile roofs. More than 5,000 houses have been built so far. By providing improved housing to families, Habitat Malawi has enhanced lives and reduced the occurrence of malaria, respiratory illnesses and intestinal parasites.

Global Village is Habitat for Humanity’s international volunteer program. Teams travel to over 40 countries to work alongside communities, build housing solutions, and experience local culture. Our goal is to change the lives of the people we serve, as well as the lives of the volunteers.

To join a team or learn more, visit www.habitat.org/gv.

About Habitat for Humanity International 

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.