Melanie Dold

More than 25 percent of Cambodians live on the equivalent of less than $1.25 a day. In cities such as the capital, Phnom Penh, they frequently live in squatter settlements and slums; in rural areas, many live in inadequate housing made of bamboo or wooden walls and floors. Access to piped water and proper sanitation facilities is extremely low.

Habitat for Humanity Cambodia, which has been active since 2004, provides families with livelihood training such as agriculture, animal husbandry, business management and other initiatives such as liquid soap production and handicrafts in an effort to increase daily income and family savings. We are working on a five-year initiative that aims to assist 10,000 low-income families.

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.