Eileen Merges fundraising for Vietnam - '20 Lyle Team

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About Me

As many of you know, I volunteer as often as I can with Habitat for Humanity! This time, I will be traveling to Vietnam with a team of amazing volunteers to help families there build a safe and sustainable homes. I am sometimes asked why I raise funds and volunteer in other countries when there is so much need here in the US. First of all, I do donate to, and volunteer with, many different organizations here in the US, these things are not mutually exclusive! Secondly, I am keenly aware that we are all connected by our commonalities, which are far more abundant than our differences.  It is only by sheer luck that I was born in the US, truly a land of opportunity. People born into poverty, whether it is here or another country, are no less deserving of opportunity, they were honestly just not as lucky as you or me.  I am sincerely hoping you will consider donating to this campaign. I am sweetening the donation “pot” this time - stay tuned for details!!

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me!

More Info

While poverty has fallen in Vietnam in recent years, many ethnic minorities and those living in rural areas remain poor. Urban poverty is also a challenge, as towns and cities swell with the influx of people drawn by economic opportunities.

Many homes in Vietnam were built informally and without adequate supporting infrastructure. About a quarter of the country’s housing stock is substandard or temporary.

Habitat for Humanity Vietnam, established in 2001, specializes in the implementation of sustainable, community-based shelter and water and sanitation solutions. It has experience in rehabilitating and repairing properties damaged by the severe weather that frequently strikes the country’s long coastline. Habitat also works with microfinance networks so families can save and access credit for home improvements, a speedy way to help thousands of families improve their sanitation and housing.

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.

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