HPHA News

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T07:39:00.001-08:00

World Habitat Day

2009-10-05T07:05:00.001-07:00

Join us and help by joining others

2009-09-18T06:56:00.000-07:00

As we begin the new fiscal year, Habitat for Humanity Argentina is embarking on a new approach and an exciting challenge: to increase our impact by involving more and more volunteers. The strategic plan includes housing solutions and opportunities based entirely on volunteer support and the efforts of the families. In this way we hope to beat the financial difficulties all organizations are facing, and reach even more families in times of growing need.

The first step of this approach is to build awareness in our society of the huge numbers of families living in severely inadequate conditions, and encourage others to join together to work towards a solution. As part of this idea, during August 40 volunteers took to the streets of down-town Buenos Aires to give passers by flyers of our awareness campaign. This took place in the center of the City of Buenos Aires for the National Day of Solidarity and the following weekend in the Recoleta district. Over 3000 people went home with a Habitat for Humanity flyer, and over 50 posters were put up in strategic positions.

Immediately after this visibility campaign, in the neighbourhood of La Boca, in the City of Buenos Aires, we organized an exhibition of the housing situation and needs, in a run-down derelict building which HPHA purchased as part of its “Recycling Urban Homes” project. By turning the building into a “case show”, and with the help of volunteers who designed and produced posters of the situation around the country and city, we were able to provide an impressive experience which had an emotional impact on most of our visitors.

Finally, at this time of year we close our yearly “Homes Fund”, thanking all those who have trusted us over this past year to invest their donations (large or small) in our various projects. This, together with the Rotating Fund, makes our ongoing work possible! And we are pleased to see that the more than 300 families paying back into the Rotating Fund continue to work hard not only to pay on time, but also to be a part of community development in their neighbourhoodl

We invite all our readers to become a part of HPHA, as volunteers, donors, or by involving more people who want to say no to the country’s housing problem.

Ana Cutts, National Director.

Exhibition: boarding houses in La Boca

2009-09-18T06:48:00.000-07:00

Habitat for Humanity Argentina organized on September 5, 6, 12 and 13 an exhibition in a run down derelict building in the La Boca neighborhood with the aim of making its visitors aware of the City of Buenos Aires housing problem and encouraging them to be part of the solution.

After a thorough survey, HPHA acquired this building as an opportunity to transform vacant or ill-used urban space into apartments to rent to low income families. The new building is being designed to respect and reinterpret the identity of this historic and characteristic neighborhood of the port area of Buenos Aires. Whilst HPHA continues to seek funding for the building, volunteers turned the run down house into an exhibition with pictures, information and the recreation of a “typical” squatter or informal rental room. With the help of two families who are already part of the “Guided Rents” programme, a wood and tin room was equipped with bedding, kitchenware, tables, childrens play pen and the necessary plastic covering to protect clothes from the dripping ceiling.

According to the last national census in 2001, more than 110,000 people live in informal rent situations (cheap hotels, abandoned buildings or tenement houses), paying a regular rent for squalid and inadequate conditions with a toilet shared by over 20 people. To rent in the city of Buenos Aires, a family needs formal employment, upfront payments and a property in the city of Buenos Aires as collateral. This, clearly, excludes most low income families. In addition, due to the excess demand for rents, descendants of neighbouring countries, or families with small children are most often discriminated.

A video of the exhibition can be found on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpAd_QUIv08

Homes Fund. Year 2008-2009.

2009-09-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

By María Sofía Mansur, volunteer
Another year has gone by, and Habitat for Humanity Argentina keeps growing, despite the difficult times which we have to go through. This continuous progress is the consequence of the trust and contributions we receive from many persons and institutions that are committed to HPHA’s mission.

HPHA’s Homes Fund is a fundamental pillar in the development of the organization’s goals. Thanks to these contributions, in cash or in kind, by individuals and institutions throughout our last fiscal year we have continued with HPHA’s mission and extended our work to many more people. We now have over 250 families who have been able to improve their housing conditions, and many more who have participated in different workshops, and were able to see that it is possible to improve their own living conditions and those of their community.

Thanks to all those who were part of the Homes Funds 2008-2009!

Family Group:
Ana Cutts; Catedral Anglicana San Juan Bautista Buenos Aires; Corbin and Zulema Wright; Elida Gándara; Iglesia Bautista Nordeste Santa Fe; José Fernando Colacilli; Katharine and Tim Dougherty; María Belén Sarmiento; María Constanza Ledesma; María Celina Malvazo; Mariana and Zack Sears; Marval O'Farrell y Mairal; Maximiliano Pereyra; Patricia Caviezel; Personal Oficina Nacional de HPHA; Ronaldo Hurley;; Sistemas y Soluciones SRL; Sociedad Bíblica Argentina; United Community Church; Visnja Drucker.
Mortar:
Cash contributions:
Alyssa M Vine; Ana Dougherty; Analía Bachor ; Andrés Romagnoli; Bárbara Bradford; Bruno Capalbo; Carolina Mansur; Cecilia Segovia; Comisión Arquidiocesana de Ecumenismo y Dialogo Interreligioso; Corbin and Zulema Wright; Elida Gándara; Elizabeth Strickland; Felipe Cartud; Flavio Berceruelo; Familia Strasser; Gretchen Hall; Joaquín Bilbao; José Fernando Colacilli; Leonardo Hernández; Lidia Fernández; Luis Arana Tagle; Lynn Ibañez; Marcelo Ortelli; María Celina Malvazo; Mariana Ortega; Mariano Colombo; Mariano Spitale; Marina Romere; Mark Foster; Martha Ureta; Martín Nazer; Maximiliano Pereyra; Milagros Bernabó; Patricia Cabot; Patricia Caviezel; Paul Hartley ; HPHA National Office; Rene Cutts; Roger Cortéz; Ronaldo Hurley; Santiago Valent; San Cristóbal Seguros; Silvia Leguizamón; Silvina Rodriguez Ponti; Stephanie Simonetta; Susanne; Thomas Dunbar; Vianney Osorio; Visnja Drucker
In kind donations:
Antonio and Viviana Castro Sánchez; Servicios Integrales S.A; Sociedad Bíblica Argentina
Foundations:
Cash contributions:
Ana Cutts, Cáritas Lomas de Zamora; Christopher Carpenter; Katharine and Tim Dougherty; María Constanza Ledesma; María Belén Sarmiento; Mariana and Zack Sears; Nicolás Vellón; Patricia Wall de Dougall; Pequeño Fondo Hogares Royal Belfast Academical Institution; Steve Crowell; Thai Lovers Restaurant
In kind donations:
BAXPA SA; Bez Propiedades; Graciela Adán y Asociados; Iglesia Bautista Nordeste Santa Fe; Leticia Prayon RH Profile; Sistemas y Soluciones SRL; United Community Church
Bricks:
Cash contributions:
Catedral Anglicana San Juan Bautista Buenos Aires; Little Homes Fund Lucky and Giving Campaign Ithaca; Theresa y Dennis Skelly
In kind donations:
Hotel Zavaleta
Roof:
In kind donations:
Ana Cutts; Marval O’ Farrell y Mairal

We invite you to join our Homes Fund, donating from $1 per month you can support HPHA’s mission!

Leaflets for adequate shelter on the Solidarity Day

2009-09-18T06:41:00.000-07:00

In order to celebrate the National Solidarity Day, on Wednesday 26 of August and on Saturday 29, volunteers from Habitat for Humanity Argentina put on the blue t-shirt of our visibility campaign and took to the streets against inadequate housing, giving flyers to passers by in downtown Buenos Aires and in Plaza Francia, Recoleta. 6000 people were invited to become a part of the solution to this problem.

Thanks to the effort of 40 volunteers, more than 6000 people today know that they can join HPHA to help solve the serious country’s housing problem.

Square in Recreo

2009-09-18T06:36:00.000-07:00

Families participating in the “Rise up and Build” project of Recreo, Santa Fe, have recently started a new project: the design and implementation of a public park. HPHA has provided the land, as part of the project through which 38 houses were built, and by facilitating meetings with the neighbours, the project has now taken off with the families as the key players in achieving their vision.

“Each meeting we are part of, is a new opportunity for growing and improving as a community. In these meetings we have learnt to cultivate beautiful and practical qualities which have given us satisfactions everyday, such as listening to others, respecting the ideas and needs of others” one of our neighbours wrote in the feedback of one of the meetings.

The park will have swings and slides donated by the city council, and plants, flowers and trees that neighbours will plant. Another team initiative has been to request that the public transport pass through this part of the city, and the street that cuts through the rows of houses has been named by the neighbours, (they chose the name “19 de diciembre”, which is the date when the first lot of houses were dedicated in 2008. Now, with the support of HPHA, they wish to make a public space come to life so as to have a recreation area for children, where adults may also have a place to gather to share a “mate”.

Brief News

2009-09-18T06:31:00.000-07:00

Share your experience: We invite you to share your experience in HPHA. Contact us at comunicacion@hpha.org.ar
Read the experience of Ignacio Spitale, volunteer of the Communication Team, about the dedication to houses in Luján.

Lecture on Awareness at Beth School: on Monday 3rd August, when classes started, two representatives of HPHA carried out a lecture on awareness for seventh graders. Kids asked a lot of questions and showed great interest on learning more on Argentina’s housing problem and on the ways they can contribute for its solution.

Payment of Loans for Incremental Improvements: HPHA is proud to inform that two of its families in Santa Fe have been able to pay the installments of the incremental improvements for their houses. Thanks to their effort to pay in due time and form, more families will have the opportunity to solve their housing issue.

Looking ahead

2009-09-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

- 21 of September. World Prayer Day for Human Habitat: Since 1983, Habitat for Humanity International has celebrated this day encouraging churches worldwide to pray on the third Sunday of September for those who live under unacceptable conditions and to advocate for adequate housing to become an awareness and action subject within the community of faith. We invite your church to join us!

- 30 of September. Round Table: In view of the World Habitat Day, HPHA and related organizations will hold a round table where different speakers will deliver their speeches on community development experiences.

- 6 of October. World Habitat Day: The United Nations has designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of human settlements and the basic right to adequate shelter for all. It is also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.

A house made with effort

2009-09-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

By Ignacio Spitale, communications volunteer.

In May in the city of Luján, more precisely in the “Los Gallitos” neighborhood the dedication of several houses took place, organized by the three families owning the new houses built within the Habitat for Humanity Argentina project “Building Homes”.

It was my first HPHA’s event, and being able to meet the families first hand was a great experience, since they welcomed me with such kindness and happiness that it promised to be a very warm morning.

When talking to Juan from the Farías Balderrama family, I realized what it is like to put all your efforts into striving for a better future and seeking opportunities that are given to us. They are seven people in this family and the couple is waiting for a new baby, but this doesn’t stop them from staying together as a family and thinking about the future day by day. “Habitat has given us a space for love” says Eva, Juan’s wife. She thanks the help given by the HPHA brigades so that they could be able to have their own house, and they don’t forget Father Luis Fornero from the San Cayetano Church who helped them get the land to start building.

In the event I had the chance to talk to Liliana from the Monzón Rodríguez family, who was very moved and shed some tears when she thanked everyone. Very openly she shared with me the difficult situation she and her family had to go through when almost from one day to the other they lost their property and didn’t know what to do next. It was then that HPHA gave them the opportunity, but it wouldn’t have been possible without their own effort and the community spirit in the neighborhood. “All the families here helped each other, which makes the relationship between neighbors improve and bonds grow” says Liliana.

Afterwards, Ana Cutts, the National Director, said a few words taking advantage of the occasion to thank those who have made this dream possible but reminding us all that “This is only a first step. Now these houses will be turned into real homes by the families that live in them”. With a round of applause families were congratulated.

At times like these, when there is so much debate about how to improve our way of life, I realized that it is the small actions that really change our way of thinking and encourage us to become more committed to helping others. that real change happens those which really make our way of thinking change and therefore be committed to help others. HPHA and these families show that it is possible.

Adapting to new realities

2009-06-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

When confronting a complex social and economical climate, every organization from the civil society needs to adapt to the new financial context and overcome the scarcity of resources through new, creative and economical solutions which are still sustainable.

This is why Habitat for Humanity Argentina (HPHA) continues searching for innovative ways and cooperation with other organizations for each project, as well as receiving new volunteers, in order to sustain our work and the impact of our partner families.

The projects being developed during the first semester of this year are a response to the clear challenges the socio-economic context of our country presents. The Disaster Reponse in Tartagal project, managed by volunteers with the support of associations and donors, allowed us to reach more than 70 families by helping them clean their homes, supporting them and being present with them. The building acquired for “Recycling Urban Houses” in the City of Buenos Aires represents a significant step in the quest for sustainable urban solutions. The incremental improvement project “subsidized” in Santa Fe, whose funds were gathered by the families themselves, is a clear example on how important results can be achieved by fostering solidarity among communities.

We invite everyone who would like to join us once again, so that we can jointly help low-income families move forward at this very difficult moment.

Ana Cutts, National Director.

Disaster Response in Tartagal

2009-06-18T12:39:00.001-07:00

Between February 28th and March 22nd HPHA volunteers were serving in Tartagal, Salta, coordinating the project for disaster response implemented by the organization in that locality after the landslide. With their support and the local community’s, the conditions of 74 houses from five of the high risk neighborhoods were improved.

Once the initial critical moments of the disaster came to an end, HPHA volunteers supported the families of the affected area with the process of returning to their homes. The interdisciplinary team included eight volunteers who worked together with a local group of volunteers, helping with cleaning tasks and supporting the families that were most in need among those affected.

On April 23rd a presentation that acknowledged the team work which enabled the project to take flight was held with the participation of volunteers, other organizations, HPHA staff and the National Board. Volunteers of the Disaster Response team prepared a video with pictures that they shared with the audience and could reflect the importance of the team work.

This project could not have been carried out without the donations from the “Humanitarian International Services Group” and from all the donors who contributed to the fund raising campaign through a bank account. The work carried out by HPHA was also made possible with support from Samaritana Stock Exchange, FUCRIBA, Pluspetrol, Clorox, Asociana and local churches.

“Recovering Urban Homes” now has a building

2009-06-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

HPHA has recently bought a building in La Boca in order to get the “Recycling Urban Homes” program off the ground. With a studio-construction company already chosen to manage the project, the only step left is to start the construction!

“Recycling Urban Homes” represents an important advancement in HPHA’s work in the city of Buenos Aires. According to the United Nations, the human right to live in an adequate house means having access to a safe place to be warm, and having adequate space, security, illumination and ventilation, basic infrastructure and adequate resources with basic services, all of this at a reasonable cost”. Clearly, in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, as well as in other parts of the country, this human right is not respected.

The panorama that unfolds before our eyes, day by day, is hundreds of people living in precarious shacks made out of corrugated iron and cardboard, houses taken by groups of families living in overcrowded conditions, slums growing to the sky, people living in unacceptable conditions in hotels, guest houses and tenement houses, and hundreds living on the streets.

In addition to the physical conditions, there exists lack of hygiene, security and privacy, and these populations are excluded, as the city prefers to hide behind facades of antique buildings which are seriously deteriorated. With the “Recycling Urban Homes” project HPHA tries to transform these buildings into simple, safe, and healthy homes.

Families help more families

2009-06-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

The families from the “Post flood repairing” project that took place in May 2007 in Santa Fe, paid an additional donation with each monthly installment which entered a fund that allowed HPHA to help a family in extreme need, that was affected by the floodings, with an incremental improvement. Thanks to them, the Ponce de León-Orduña family could get started, with the help of local volunteers, with the construction that will improve their house.

The Ponce de León-Orduña family lives in very humble conditions in a shack made out of precarious material. The head of the family suffers from a physical disability and if it weren’t for the help from the other Habitat families, they wouldn’t have been able to have the opportunity of improving their house because their income is not high enough to access a credit from HPHA.

Therefore, once again solidarity showed powerful results. The families from the “Post flood repairing” project built “More than houses”: with their effort and payment of monthly installments they have achieved a housing solution for themselves, for the families that will come later and for one more family. And they have sent a message of hope to the rest of society…

HPHA receives HPH Bolivia

2009-06-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

Between April 24th and 28th HPHA received a group of staff and some volunteers from Habitat for Humanity Bolivia, with the goal of exchanging experiences. Unexpectedly, HPH Bolivia also brought very good news to the country: they had designated their 29,265 US$ tithe to HPHA.

HPH Bolivia’s visit in Argentina had a number of different moments of exchange between both teams. The experience started with a volunteer brigade in Luján, in which both Argentines and Bolivians joined efforts to help a family to build their home. The following day they went to the 22 de enero neighborhood in La Matanza, where HPHA has the “Incremental Improvement” project. There, they visited a group of their compatriots who invited them to a Bolivian community radio from the area to participate in an interview and to take the opportunity to spread Habitat’s mission.

The last day the group assisted a reception prepared by the Bolivian Ambassador, María Leonor Arauco Lemaitre. After that, a workshop was held so that the different areas from both organizations could exchange experiences. Everyone agreed to keep working together in common subjects, such as some projects in the North of Argentina and Southern Bolivia related to the chagas disease, and both made a commitment to stay in contact virtually.

At night, a farewell dinner was prepared and hosted by a volunteer from the National Board. Habitat for Humanity Bolivia’s National Director, Tito Lima Vacaflor, took the opportunity to hand over the tithe, represented in a delicate wooden engraving. HPHA’s National Director and National Board received it with great emotion, as it represents the opportunity to continue reaching more families.

Brief News

2009-06-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

- Share your experience: We invite you to share your experience with HPHA by contacting comunicacion@hpha.org.ar

Read Paula Matheo's experiencie (volunteer in the “Little Bricks” workshop and part of the House Leaders Team)

- Habitat for Humanity International’s President in Argentina: Ron Terwilliger, HPHI volunteer and acknowledged estate agent developer, was in Argentina between February 9th and 10th, learning about HPHA’s programs. He also took the chance to meet with the United States Chamber of Commerce in Argentina (AMCHAM) and with the Construction Chamber of Argentina, with the goal of inviting the corporative sector to face the serious housing problem in the country.

- Brigades that involve the community: in March a brigade from St. Luke’s Church in Michigan, supported by Thrivent Financial, USA, was in Recreo, Santa Fe. In addition to helping families with the construction of their houses, the 31 volunteers contributed with materials and labor to paint a high school in an indigenous neighborhood while working together with the students. Furthermore, five professional doctors and therapists from the volunteer team exchanged experiences with the workers from the local community clinics.

- Students raise funds for a brigade: students from the Lincoln School in Buenos Aires organized a “dodge ball” tournament in order to raise funds to participate on a brigade with HPHA. Thanks to this event, 16 high school students were able to go to Recreo, Santa Fe and help families with the construction of their houses.

- Habitat changed habitat: HPHA’s National Office moved to Esmeralda 3430, Florida, Provincia de Buenos Aires (B1604DHH). The new phone numbers are (54 11) 4760-5810 and 4859-0154.

Serving others

2009-06-18T12:10:00.000-07:00

By Paula Matheos

“Serving others is the wisest, smartest and most practical way of serving oneself.”
Bernabé Tierno

I was marveled at finding in one quote, the essence of what has led me to make certain decisions about my way of life through all of these years. Thanks to this Spanish author and psychologist I can summarize today so many feelings and internal needs that I express through the action for others. My life’s pillar has been and is my family, to whom I dedicate a big part of my energy. My labor activities, in the health area as well as in designing decoration elements, are also directed to people’s needs.

Habitat for Humanity Argentina came into my life to complete the circle of “serving” and transcend the limits of my home and work. Side by side next to families who dream with a housing solution, who fight day after day to turn their walls into the home they have always sought, allows me to renew the hope of more children growing with more than just their basic needs covered: that they can wake up, get together with their loved ones and dream with new challenges. In each of them I see a new person that will grow with the conviction of knowing that serving and helping others gives sense to our lives.

*Paula Matheos is a volunteer in the “Little Bricks” workshop and part of the House Leaders Team at Habitat for Humanity Argentina.

Happy Easter

2009-04-06T13:00:00.001-07:00

Habitat for Humanity Argentina assists families in Tartagal.

2009-03-06T11:17:00.001-08:00

Building on its experience in post-flood situations in Santa Fe (2003), and following the example of HPHI (Habitat for Humanity International), Habitat for Humanity Argentina (HPHA) launched its first post-disaster volunteer fast-response assistance team after the mudslide which hit the city of Tartagal in the extreme north of Argentina.

HPHA selected and sent a team of volunteers to provide immediate assistance to families trying to clean their houses of the mud and filth left by the floods. An amount of U$S 10,000 was raised for cleaning equipment and U$S 300 made available from HPHI for general expenses. The team will stay in Tartagal for 2 weeks, coordinating the efforts of local volunteers, supported by local government and church members.

Ideally, HPHA would like to extend and expand these activities as the need is great and it will take considerable time for the city to recover but we need help with funds for this. If you would like to contribute please contact tartagal@hpha.org.ar or call (54 11) 4792 2739 / 4793 4383.

The team of volunteers includes two architects, a social psychologist, a student journalist and two technicians with experience from previous floods.

Volunteer’s Day

2009-03-06T11:16:00.000-08:00

On December 5th, International Volunteer’s Day, HPHA Argentina's National Office organized an event to recognize the work of individual volunteers.

More than 20 volunteers attended the event and it was an opportunity to get to know each other. Those who attended included volunteers who lead construction brigades; those who help with communication tools; those who provide legal literacy workshops and the “Little Bricks” workshop; as well as others who have contributed in different ways, such as those who helped produce HPHA’s institutional video, promoted the Fundraising Dinner of 2008, and photographers. The "Bring and Share" evening event began with an ice breaker game after which Carolina Mansur, Coordinator of Community Mobilization, spoke about the significance of the World Volunteer Day and the ongoing and quiet work of HPHA's volunteers. The National Director, Ana Cutts, then thanked those present who are such an important part of Habitat for Humanity Argentina’s work. Finally, certificates were given out, and the institutional video was shown.

End of year festivities

2009-03-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

In Luján Christmas parties for all the families who are part of HPHA were held before Christmas. A bring and share dinner was organized in the Catholic Parish of Santa Elena in Luján and an inflatable castle and table football in the church garden entertained kids, while parents talked together. The venue was decorated with balloons, colored posters and pictures of the year's activities. The institutional video and a presentation by the local office brought tears to the eyes of those present as they remembered important moments of 2008. Finally, as everyone enjoyed the home-made food, families wrote down their hopes for the coming year.

In Santa Fe, families from Recreo and Santa Fe, staff and volunteers from the National Office, members of the municipal government of Recreo and Santa Fe, the police band and the priest Scatizza, who gave the blessing to the homes, were present at the dedication of 19 homes. The dedication took place before a Christmas celebration with the traditional Argentine Christmas Cake (Pan Dulce). The children of the “Little Bricks” project performed a Nativity scene. Finally, the gift of a Bible was given to each home owner.

All these events, in both Lujan and Santa Fe, were organized and coordinated by the families from different HPHA projects, with the support of HPHA staff. Families from the newest families joined those who have now been living in their new or improved homes for several years.

Argentine Baptist National Confederation

2009-03-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

In June 2008 Habitat for Humanity Argentina (HPHA) and the Argentine National Confederation of Baptist Churches (CEBA) signed an agreement. Its aim is to offer improved housing to families living in inadequate housing. HPHA’s methods will be implemented by Baptist Churches. Through this project it is hoped to reach families outside the areas where HPHA has offices, and in remote rural areas.

In this way we hope to capitalize and learn from the first Habitat for Humanity projects. HPHA recognizes the need for strategic, efficient projects where the housing deficit is great, but we do not want to forget the needs of those living in remote areas, where groups of local volunteers led by local churches can work together to improve housing. Churches will have their own local offices, and - in their own time and on a small scale - will develop the "family by family" approach.

HPHA hopes to attract funding for these projects from Churches around the world wishing to sponsor a family or a local church’s work. We appeal particularly to Baptist congregations around the world and hope to establish partnerships whereby the local Argentine church provides volunteers and oversight, while the overseas church provides funding and, where possible, a Global Village team. This is our dream and our prayer!

The first two projects selected come from churches in the province of Formosa, Northern Argentina and from Moreno in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires.
Both projects were identified by churches originally moved to assist a very needy family from their own community.
For more information about these projects, the families and how to sponsor a church, please write to our National Board Secretary, Patricia Caviezel (caviezp@fibertel.com.ar) or acutts@hpha.org.ar

HPHA works in association with all churches because it aims to follow the example of Jesus Christ’s care and compassion as shown in the Bible as do Christian churches! Habitat’s founder, Millard Fuller, in his book “The Theology of the Hammer” explains the setting aside of religious differences to put faith in action so that those less fortunate might have a decent home in which to grow and experience God’s love.

Habitat Tent in La Matanza

2009-03-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

*By Karen Urdaniz, volunteer in the Communications team

On January 17th staff from the Buenos Aires Office initiated a project “Habitat Tent”. This event took place in the “22 de enero” neighborhood of La Matanza and volunteers, HPHA employees and friends from the community all joined together. The name “Habitat Tent” comes from the biblical passage Isaiah 54:2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes”.

The “Incremental Improvements” project to be carried out in the neighborhood was explained. It will be possible for selected families to receive a loan of approximately $4000 pesos, to repair or improve their home. Each family who receives a loan is responsible for the implementation of their home improvement, but they are encouraged to maximize the loan by comparing different estimates, without forgetting the price-quality equation. Humberto, whose family was one of the first to benefit from these loans, described how it had helped him. Analía Bachor, Community Promotion Coordinator, encouraged those present to build much more than houses; and to help build community.

During the discussions the children enjoyed a “Little Bricks” workshop. Later, three volunteer architects gave some home owners help with technical matters regarding their constructions, and made recommendations to help avoid accidents. Some of the buildings were very precarious and risked the lives of those families who live there. To one family the architect said, “The bathroom is very insecure; taking a shower here is as dangerous as an electric chair!” Later, Andrés Maidana Habitat Legal Coordinator, explained: “We are here to give as much information as possible to assist and empower the families”.

“Sol de Pan” is a small enterprise in which four families cook together in a solar oven lent by the NGO “Microenergía”. They provided the group with empanadas, “sopa paraguaya” and small pizzas which were much appreciated.
Viviana, one of the members said, “We want to keep on working and growing to make a bakery”. After the meal the Financial Literacy Workshop met in the Fundación Concordia’s office, (this organization works in association with HPHA in the neighborhood.) Each family completed a survey, including topics such as how to organize the family economy, ways of saving, benefits and risks of taking a credit, spending and investing, and necessary and unnecessary expenses. In the meantime, the children of the families learned how to grow food from seeds and small plants. The children were enthusiastic and took the plants to their homes, where they will continue to take care of them.

The day was successful; from better understanding of the needs of the neighborhood to giving support to more families and encouraging the participation in the community, and making contact with other organizations from the area. In these ways the family of Habitat for Humanity Argentina keeps growing.

2009-03-06T10:04:00.002-08:00

· Share your experience in HPHA
If you have been a volunteer or participated in any event or activity with Habitat for Humanity Argentina, please write about it in our newsletter. Many people come and help in the organization, and by recording your experiences you can encourage many more! Help us by telling us about your visit so we can promote our work.

Read Patricia Caviezel's experience

· Help us with a donation
If you want to donate to the Homes Fund you can now do it with your debit or credit card through our secure form. Each contribution, regardless of the amount, helps a family improve their quality of life. Join the Homes Fund and give your support to families in need of a place to call home.

Looking ahead… please note these dates:

2009-03-06T10:04:00.001-08:00

March 14th Ambassadors brigade

March 21st Monthly brigade. You can participate by sending an email to brigadas@hpha.org.ar

Patricia Caviezel's experience

2009-03-06T09:54:00.000-08:00

It was a crisp winter day when José Colacilli, HPHA board president, and I, as secretary, set out for Santa Fe on a very important mission. We went to sign the deeds and mortgages for nine Habitat families from Santa Fe and Recreo.

As we drove, I wondered what the families were thinking, how they were feeling about being home owners. We passed shanty towns, one after another, I wished we could help all of those people too. We passed neat, white houses that must be part of public housing developments. Habitat is not the only organization that helps people build their home.

Once we arrived at the bright, new Habitat Santa Fe office we were greeted by Mariano Moreno, head of the Santa Fe office, and the families anxiously awaiting the paper that would make them official owners of their new homes. The families participated in different programs: from the Pilot Project the Socías and Oyola families, from the Proyecto Crecer the Correa, Toranzo, Corrales, Ayala and Vazquez familias, from the Proyecto Levantemonos the Santiyú, Chocala and Ramírez Junges families.

Mariano Colombo took pictures of the group while we got settled and José said a few words about the importance of this day. The notary, Claudia Culzoni, was already there with the deeds neatly tucked in her briefcase. Then, one at a time each family stepped into the back office to sign their name to the deed. Claudia carefully explained each page of the contract to each person present. She asked for questions then handed them the pen to sign. Many emotions filled that room, happiness, responsibility, concern, nervousness, relief, pride, success and hope. Hope that this would be the first day of the best part of their lives. José and I shook everyone’s hands and gave them a kiss and congratulated these people who worked hard to make a dream come true, who wanted a home of their own and made it possible with a little help from their friends.

José and I had to leave right away if we wanted to get back to BA before dark so we had to refuse Mariano’s invitation to visit Recreo but we did see a map of that neighborhood. There are homes built with HPHA’s help filling one whole block, and half of two other blocks. I couldn’t help thinking about the first house we built in Lujan in 2003. What a struggle it was but how much we learned since them. I have to smile because now, in the year 2008 we can actually say we are changing the face of a town but we all know this is just the beginning.

More people are joining, more communities are getting involved

2008-12-30T06:13:00.000-08:00

As this year ends our country, with the rest of the world, is undergoing an economic and financial crisis. In HPHA we realize that there are more and more people in need of our help so during these last months we have organized events and activities in order to reach not only our usual families but also the rest of the community.

Nationally we organized a “More than Houses” dinner, in which over a hundred people were involved in different ways. In Santa Fe an event called “Sing and Build” took place, when volunteers from different provinces of the country and different countries of the world got together to build. In the evenings the public were invited to join in music festivals, which again publicized our organization. In Luján the “Tienda Hábitat” also took place in addition to the work to improve the soccer field, allowing HPHA projects to reach out to the community.

We know that the challenge of alleviating the country’s housing problem is getting more and more difficult but we do not despair for we see, day by day, as hundreds of people join us that we are on the right track!

Ana Cutts, Directora Nacional.

“More than houses” 2008 Dinner

2008-12-30T06:10:00.001-08:00

On October 1st in the Marriott Plaza Hotel, Buenos Aires, Habitat for Humanity Argentina organized its annual Dinner with the theme “More than houses”. The dinner was one of its main fund raising events as well as a way to share and celebrate our achievements, and to recognize the people, companies and institutions that collaborate with our mission. with dedication and commitment.

The Master of Ceremonies was Mariano Peluffo, it was sponsored by Banco Provincia Fuerza Solidaria and there were many guests from different companies and organizations.

The evening began with a welcome cocktail, followed by the presentation of the new HPHA video and the game “Let’s do more than houses”, in which each table turned into a construction team to be part of a great “building work”: constructing small houses with little bricks sold by a group of volunteers! Guests were able to be creative and imaginative showing that faith and love have no limits when you build with commitment. While houses were being built at each table, a screen showed how an abandoned building was slowly turned into a new and refurbished home. The money raised was earmarked for the “Recycling Urban Homes” project.

In recognition of their help, a symbolic “golden brick” was presented to Accenture, Citi, Ford, General Electric, IFC Argentina, Intel, Nortel, Novartis, Price Waterhouse Coopers and Sheraton Hotel Buenos Aires. The evening concluded with an acrobatic act and dancing.

The success of this event was, of course, due to the participaltion of guests, volunteers, donors and sponsors demonstrating again how, with everyone helping, great things can be accomplished!

Sing and Build

2008-12-30T06:07:00.000-08:00

“Sing and Build” took place in Recreo and Santa Fe from November 17th - 23rd. Over 50 local, national and international volunteers got together to build in the site of Recreo, next to the families. During the day they worked very hard, in spite of Santa Fe’s extremely hot weather; while during lunch and in the afternoon, families and volunteers sang together with music from guitars. On Saturday there was a music festival in the Luz y Fuerza Theatre in Santa Fe City.

This special event aimed to show, through singing as well as building together, the joy of volunteering. Each working day started with prayers at 9:00a.m, followed by a reminder of the safety measures. During lunch there was singing and dancing and at 4:30p.m the working day ended with more music, singing and dancing. A volunteer from San José, USA taught everyone a Hawaiian “hula-hula” and the local families taught the international volunteers how to dance Santa Fe’s “cumbia”; in addition, Vienna Teng, a volunteer and professional singer and composer from New York entertained everyone with her music skills.

Other donors and sponsors made “Sing and Build” possible thanks to their generous collaboration. These were: Global Village Program from Habitat for Humanity International, San Cristóbal, Casa Martín, Puig y Compañía, Agua Pura, Basani, Hotel Zavaleta, Servicios Integrales and the Iglesia Bautista Nordeste.

On Monday we held the first outdoors show, in the San Martín Park in the Center of Recreo. Two groups of folk dancers from Recreo, a group from Santo Tomé, a group from bossa nova from the Nordeste Church, a folk singer, the brigade singer accompanied by a pianist and the local group “Los del Camino” were part of the show, which lasted for two hours. Recreo’s Mayor and the entire municipal department co-operated and Carina Valli, on behalf of the municipal council, officially declared “Sing and Build” an event of municipal interest.

On Thursday, volunteers were invited for dinner in the homes of the different families. Each family was able to proudly show their new houses and entertain them with home- made food. These were intimate moments of sharing.

On Saturday afternoon, the kids from the families participated in the “Little Bricks” workshop and presented a small play to all the helpers. When the working day was finished the children gave each volunteer a small notebook with a fridge magnet, made with small hands decorated by them, helping everyone to remember their saying “We can also put our hands to work”.

The day closed with an event in the Luz y Fuerza Theatre in Santa Fe City. The folk ballet “Grupo Yapeyú” and “Agrupación El Prado”, the groups “Vocal Santafesino” and “Alta Tensión” took part. At the end of the evening the folk group “Los del Camino” played some “chacareras” with Vienna Teng, the American volunteer who learned the local songs especially for this event.

Finally, on Sunday afternoon “Sing and Build” ended the “build” with a meal of “choripanes”. After a week’s hard work, two complete houses had been finished. It was clear that “Sing and Build” was “more than houses” and that everyone had learned and enjoyed a lot together!

Building community development

2008-12-30T06:06:00.000-08:00

On October 4th Habitat for Humanity Argentina organized a brigade in Luján of a group of young people from St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Olivos. These young people not only helped with the construction of houses at the building site, but they also worked to improve a small soccer field for “El Trebol” a community soccer school.

The group was divided into two: half the brigade helped with the construction of houses and the other half helped in the soccer field. There they sanded and painted the goalposts and seats, they marked the boundaries with lime and put up a surrounding fence. “One always wishes to help, but I’ve never thought we could help in this way, coming and putting our hands to work… so that children can have a soccer field that is so important for them” said Jennifer Moeller, one of the volunteers.

This kind of initiative enables HPHA to reach out to more of the local community by helping in community projects.

When the working day was over, heat and tiredness did not prevent some of the brigade from joining youngsters from one of the Church groups in a short soccer game, using the newly painted goalposts!

The soccer field is the place where over 100 youngsters from low income families in the neighborhood get together to play around four times a week. Juan Giovanetone, who belongs to one of the “Incremental Improvements” families, has worked with the children for the past 14 years. Seven years ago he got some disused land donated by the Municipality, and with the help of many parents of the children, friends and neighbors, the soccer field was inaugurated.

One of Juan’s sons plays in the club “Ferrocarril Oeste”, and at weekends he helps his father with the training. Furthermore, when the youngsters grow up and no longer play, most of them keep helping, thus teaching the younger ones from their own experience.

Surprisingly for many of us, Juan is not a fan of any professional soccer team, but the explanation he gives is quite convincing: “Professional soccer is all about the money; here the game is just an excuse for the kids to leave the street and for everyone to learn together about commitment and team work”.

Tienda Hábitat in Luján: technical and legal assessment to the community

2008-12-30T06:04:00.000-08:00

On November 8th Tienda Hábitat was held in Luján in Los Gallitos neighborhood; it was a day of activities with workshops, assessment, and time for specific questions and consultations related to housing problems and solutions, and it was open to the whole community.

The aim of the event was to share Habitat for Humanity Argentina’s program with the wider community and, with the help of specialists who volunteered for the occasion, to offer legal and technical assessment. Architects answered the questions of families who were constructing their own homes, and lawyers gave a Legal literacy workshop. In addition, there was a “Little Bricks” workshop for the youngsters of the participating families.

A tent was erected to create attention, and volunteers from Citi handed out fliers to promote HPHA’s activities with the rest of the neighborhood. We showed the video of HPHA so that more families could get to know what HPHA is doing.

3.5 million families in Argentina are in need of help with housing problems; 33.4% live in derelict houses which need improving, repairing or completing. HPHA’s projects are a small, but important answer to the housing problems in Argentina.

Many poor families have begun to build their own homes but have not been able to finish the building: others have houses that are inadequate or overcrowded and don’t know how to improve them. Most of the families work alone doing as much as they can with the income they have. They usually do this alone, or with the help of friends, and the possibility of assessment by a volunteer architect would be a great opportunity for many.

But the problem for most low income families is that they have no Land Titles and do not know how to legalize their situations. Legal experts can provide support, awareness and education in these matters.

Upcoming events

2008-09-26T06:34:00.001-07:00

At Habitat for Humanity Argentina we believe that in order to have a real impact on the housing situation in our country, we need everyone’s support. There are many different ways of being a part of this challenge to provide the conditions for a real and lasting transformation in the lives of those living in conditions of poverty. This year we are inviting you to be a part of two different events, both vital for the achievement of our goals.

On October 1st we will have our 2008 “More than houses” dinner at the Marriot Plaza Hotel in the City of Buenos Aires. It is a benefit dinner to raise funds for our various projects and it is aimed at individuals, companies and institutions wishing to support our cause. It promises to be an entertaining evening, filled with surprises as well as moments to recognise and appreciate our supporters. We will also share our new video, our achievements and dreams.

If you wish to join us for this event, please contact Nuria or Connie by writing to ddrr@hpha.org.ar or calling 4792 2739. If you are in Argentina, you can join us by buying a ticket to attend the event, buying a table, purchasing space in our program for your company, contributing prizes for the games, sponsoring the event, or volunteering as a promoter.
If you live abroad, you can still be a part of this event! Why not buy a ticket for someone you know in Argentina to enjoy the dinner on your behalf... or simply send in your donation to add to the event’s fundraising.

The second invitation is for our annual construction event: “Sing and Build” that will take place November 17-23, 2008. It is not necessary that you come neither to sing nor to build, but rather we invite you to put your “faith into action” during the activities planned for the week or for the weekend. All are welcome- volunteers from other countries and Argentines alike- to lay foundations of friendship and raise walls of hope. Like the Global Village program, we can assure an unforgettable experience not only for the volunteers, but also for the families in Santa Fe. We will witness the joy and love that ensure that our houses are built to be “more than houses”.

If you would like more information, please contact Lynn at voluntario@hpha.org.ar or (+54 11) 4793-4384 or 4792-2739.

*By Ana Cutts (HPHA National Director)

Progressive Improvements

2008-09-26T06:32:00.001-07:00

In Habitat for Humanity Argentina (HPHA) we seek to offer habitat solutions that are adapted to local needs and each family in particular. That’s why we have stopped promoting only complete houses in order to give prominence to other programs, such as “Progressive Improvements”, which is already working in Buenos Aires, Luján and Santa Fe. With the help of many of our associated organizations (Fundación Concordia, De la Nada, and churches from the city of Santa Fe) we have already helped 83 families improve their homes, and we are planning on reaching 76 more families in the next year.

The Ceferina García family, in Santa Fe, is one of the families participating in the “Progressive Improvements” program, through which they were able to improve their bathroom. “Now it is impossible to take the kids out of there, they want to stay all day in the shower in their new bathroom!” says Ceferina enthusiastically.

According to the National Statistics Office (Indec) 2004, 47.5% of Argentines live in unacceptable conditions. 23. 7% of these are homes that are in need of repair, while 15% are overcrowded homes needing an extension. Both of these problems are addressed by the “Progressive Improvements” methodology.

It is trully amazing to see how a small improvement or enlargement can change the life of a family! For those who would really need a whole new house, but cannot pay the cost of a loan, the “Progressive Improvements” allows families to build their home gradually, in stages, through small loans.

Many times, a small change in a house can completely transform the everyday life of those who live there. Hilda Núñez from Lujan, whose family is also part of the program, says that she is still not used to having running water in her home, and that once in a while she goes to her backyard to use the water pump without realizing that she no longer needs to do so anymore!

The problems that the “Progressive Improvements” program most frequently deal with are those related to unsatisfied basic needs such as access to water inside the house, the placing of openings for better ventilation, or the finishing of a room that may need some kind of plastering in order to eliminate humidity and thus make the place healthier and more habitable.

HPHA offers guidance and support to the family throughout the construction process from the social, technical and legal aspects. The goal is to reach a long term solution, ideally including the title deeds of the land – should the family not have them already.

*This article was written thanks to the contribution of Soledad Orellana (Social Worker from Luján), Gabriela Rivas (Social Worker from Santa Fe), Mercedes Leguizamón (Secretary from Santa Fe) and Andrés Maidana Legal (Housing Solutions).

Corporative Brigades: Accenture

2008-09-26T06:31:00.001-07:00

The Community, the companies, the commitment and the volunteers

In the last three months, Habitat for the Humanity Argentina (HPHA) has received corporative brigades from Accenture, Citibank, Intel, Novartis, Nortel, Sheraton and Price-Waterhouse Coopers, among others.

In HPHA we have sought from the beginning to contribute to the human development of our families and their communities through corporative volunteer teams. It is an amazing sight to watch people who generally spend their everyday lives in a completely different environment, sharing their time and putting their two hands in action to help someone in need achieve their dream.

The first step is taken by the company, who supports us with its own structure, logistics, communication and donation to cover all of the expenses. After the employees have experienced “love in action” first hand, it is up to them to get more involved.

In Accenture’s case, the worker’s and the company’s commitment has gone beyond expectations and are now a concrete reality. At least once a month, the families and HPHA wait in Luján for the group of Accenture volunteers, who join us by collaborating in the housing construction.

In Luján everyone knows what Accenture is, who they are, and the families have established bonds with some of their employees who have been to several brigades that their company has organized. The families anxiously await them in their houses to work together in the construction, and they are moved and inspired knowing that there are people who are interested in helping them as well as their neighborhoods.

The social responsibility that Accenture achieves serves also an example for the families, because part of HPHA’s methodology consists in teaching that it is their own commitment that will help them move forward.

And, of course, this solidarity means a lot in practical and economical terms: by guaranteeing one brigade a month, Accenture allows us to improve our planning of the volunteer’s activities, because they are taken into account as a regular workforce that contributes towards reducing the cost of the house to the home-owners.

*By Connie Ledesma (National Resources Development Coordinator), with the collaboration of Lautaro Sourigues (Brigades).

Family Brigade

2008-09-26T06:28:00.000-07:00

On May 24th, Habitat for Humanity Argentina (HPHA) carried out its first Family Brigade in Luján, in the “Los Gallitos” neighborhood. Five home-owners from previous projects, together with members of the Presbyterian Church San Andrés de Olivos worked together to build the homes of the Monzón Rodríguez and Ferreyra Duarte families.

“Habitat is a mutual help chain. I was so grateful when people came to help me in the construction of our house, and we are never going to forget everything they did for our family. That is why anytime we can help others we will be more than willing to do so” said Mariana Martínez, one of the brigade’s participants.

Not only were they able to make a considerable progress in the construction, but they also created a comfortable space for all the families to get together, strengthen their bonds, and develop a sense of “community”. The families shared both the construction time as well as the breaks, in which they took the opportunity to share some “mate” and exchange anecdotes, work experiences with HPHA and life stories.

Since one of the goals of the brigade was to integrate all of the family, the children were not left out. In order to make them part of the event, a “Little Bricks” (our programme for children) workshop was held, which allowed the kids to be part of the days events through games and fun.

*This article was written thanks to the collaboration of Mariana Huici (Social Worker of Luján).

Homes Fund

2008-09-26T06:26:00.000-07:00

Habitat for Humanity Argentina’s Homes Fund is a collection of donations given by individuals or institutions throughout one year. It is used to further our mission and vision that every family should have access to a simple, healthy, safe and affordable house. This year the Home Fund’s closed on June 30th, and we are very proud to say that it is continually growing. More and more people trust and believe in HPHA and –above all- understand that even the smallest contributions add up to help these deserving families and has a lasting impact on their lives.

Members of the Homes Fund 2007-2008 are:
Allysa Vine, Ana Cutts, Asociación Mujeres SS, Banco Suquía, Barbara Bradford, Connie Ledesma, Elida Gandara, Fernandez Lidia, Fernando Quinteros, Gretchen Hall, Henderson Group, Juan Ignacio Simioli, José Colacilli, Luis Tagle, Marcelo Ortelli, Maria Belén Sarmiento, Maria José Leveratto, Maria Dolores Gonzalez, Mariana Ballesteros, Mariana Ortega, Mariana Sears, Marina Romere, Marval O' Farrel y Mairal, Familia Merryl, Kervin T., Nicolás Vellon, Nilda Ayala, Patricia Dougall, Patricia Cabot, Patricia Caviezel, Paul Hartley, Pereyra Maximiliano, Visnja Drucker, Ronaldo Hurley, Roberto Torest, Santiago Valent, Sforza Daniella, Sistema y Soluciones, Skelly Theresa y Dennis, Sofia Carnora, Stephanie Simonetta, Tim Dougherty, Vianney Osorio, Victoria Cassells, Wright Corbin, Zaballa Carlos.

In HPHA we believe that by joining together we can be stronger, and that with the contribution of many, great things can be achieved. We therefore want to thank those who joined our Homes Fund for the 2007-2008 year and those who have been helping us for many years.
We invite you to join the Homes Fund: with only $1 a year you can support HPHA’s mission! As one of our partners said: “Joining the Homes Fund is just like being there, next to the families, working with them and giving them hope”.

*This article was written thanks to the collaboration of Nuria Roset (Individual Donors).

Brief News

2008-09-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

Join HPHA’s Facebook group
If you have a Facebook account, join our group! There you will have access to pictures, videos and information, and you will be able to read about the latest events, as well as stay in contact with many people who are or have been involved with HPHA from different parts of the world.

Annual Meeting 2008
This year HPHA’s Annual Meeting took place in Tigre on July 11th and 12th. The various HPHA offices were present, as well as the National Board, long term volunteers and paid staff. This year’s goal was to not only continue strengthening our bonds and our commitment towards HPHA’s mission, but to also improve both our internal and external communications.

Looking ahead

2008-09-26T06:16:00.000-07:00

- 9/21: World Day of Prayer for Humane Habitats: Since 1983, Habitat for Humanity International has celebrated the World Day of Prayer by encouraging Churches from all over the World to pray on the third Sunday of September for all of those who live in unacceptable conditions and to advocate so that having a decent home becomes a matter of conscious and of faith in action. We invite your church to join us!

-10/1: “More than Houses” 2008 Dinner. Habitat for Humanity Argentina is in the process of organizing its “More than Houses” Benefit Dinner on October 10th, at the Marriot Plaza Hotel in Buenos Aires. If you are interested in joining us please contact us at (54 11) 4792-2739 or via e-mail to ddrr@hpha.org.ar

-10/6: World Habitat Day: The United Nations has designated the first Monday of October of every year in order to reflect on the inadequate housing situation and the fundamental human right to a decent house for all. This date is also important to remind the world of our collective responsibility towards the human habitat future.

-10/17-11/23: “Sing and Build” Event. Join our annual event, which is going to be held in Santa Fe and Recreo. If you are interested in participating, please contact us at voluntario@hpha.org.ar

Year 6, Vol.1: Family Stories, Santa Fe.

2008-05-29T06:21:00.000-07:00

Mr. Sonzogni, who is in charge of the Provincial Energy Companyy in Recreo, Santa Fe, recently shared the following experience with our Local Coordinator in Santa Fe.

His Energy Company team went to carry out a routine electricity conection for last four houses built with Habitat for Humanity Argentina (HPHA) in Recreo. When they were in the middle of their assignment, it began to drizzle. Seeking shelter they found themselves under the roof of a HPHA homeowner, the Colman Family. One of the Coleman sons began chatting with them, and thanked them for giving his house light. To the surprise of each worker, the kid told them how proud he was of his new home... now that he could live in a house made of real materials, with no humidity, a room of his own... and how happy he was to be able to invite his friends from school home to study, something he had never been able to do before.

This conversation moved the workers, and even though in those conditions they would usually have suspended their work, this time they decided to continue and finish the connection so that the families could have electric energy as soon as possible. They felt it was the least they could do from their place and their situation with a safe job, a good income and their own confortable house, for these families who were starting a new stage in their lives.

The next day, the boss of the Energy company team told his wife and family what had happened. They reflected on how common this story probably was, and yet normally one would not stop to even notice such details because of the demanding work rhythm. Mr. Sonzogni came to thank HPHA for giving him the opportunity to experience the joy of families in need, working to improve their living conditions and find a place in society through their own effort and the help of volunteers.

Year 6, Vol.1: Building a Home Event

2008-05-29T06:16:00.001-07:00

“Building a Home” Event

Between november the 5th and the 11th, Habitat for Humanity Argentina (HPHA) carried out an important building event called “Building a Home”. During this week, several local, national and international volunteers gathered their efforts in order to build the house of a family in need in the “Los Gallitos” neighbourhood, in the Lujan outskirts.

The remarkable result of this team work between volunteers and familys not only achieved the construction of a house for a family in need, but it also encouraged the community to participate in the alleviation of the problem of inadequate housing in Luján as well as in the rest of the country.

The event was related to our “At Home for a Home” campaign. This campaign was started by HPHA on a national level to build awareness amongst those living in decent homes, of the housing need in Argentina, and to give a clear message of hope by encouriging the action and the involvement of everyone in order to help more families to have a house. This was how “At Home for a Home” was able to obtain volunteers to participate in “Building a Home”.

The most moving part of this event was no doubt the evening when the families already living in houses built with HPHA, invited the volunteers “home” for dinner. This completed the cycle of our campaign: “At home for a home”. Volunteers and donations raised through dinners held in several homes around the country, allowed for the building and financing of a new home where a family who had not previously been able to invite friends “home for dinner” could now join the “At home for a home” campaign!

Some of the volunteers dedicated to the construction came from the Global Village Programme, and they traveled all the way to our country from USA, Canada and Great Britain. Each of them showed their strong commitment by paying all of their expenses with the only aim of participating in the event. Volunteers form Santa Fe and Buenos Aires also were part of “Building for a Home”, incluiding a group of employees from Accenture Argentina.

There was also a group of logistics volunteers who helped with activities that supported the construction, such as a group of ladies form the Anglican Church who prepared some delicious home made cakes for the volunteers.

“Building a Home” concluded on November the 11th with a closing event in which participated the staff from HPHA, families, volunteers, donors, and local colaborators. Before starting lunch a very memorable balloon release was made, with hope messages writen by the people that took part of the whole activity and gave to the event a unique ending.

“At home for a home” is an ongoing campaign... Please contact us if you wish to organize a dinner in your home to benefit those who still do not have a home to comunicacion@hpha.org.ar

Year 6, Vol.1: End of the Year Party in Santa Fe

2008-05-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

More than 170 people attende th End of Year Party in Habitat for Humanity Argentina (HPHA) Santa Fe.

Amongst those present there were homeowner families from Santa Fe’s seven projects, as well as employees, donors, national and international volunteers. It was a great opportunity for everyone to get to know each other, strengthen bonds, and toast for a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The occasion also strengthened the bonds between staff and beneficiary families from our older projects, such as “Rebuilding Santa Fe House by House”, a special project that enabled the building of six houses for families who had lost everything in the floods and finally led to the opening of the Santa Fe Local Office.

Everyone had a pleasant and entertaining evening. At first an ice-breaking “Karaoke” was set up. Even the shyest guests had fun singing! Kids also had a great time, since they were able to play in a special games area. They were entertained with games, songs and other surprises by the voluntary coordinators of the “Little Bricks” Project (This project aims to educate homeowner family’s children about the various aspects of building and later taking care of their new home).

Afterwards videos were screened and the families from the more recent HPHA programmes were able to see the houses built in the first projects. It was most moving, as everyone watched the progress of construction of variuos houses, including the volunteers and families who built them – many of whom came from across the world.

The evening included words from the National Director Ana Cutts who spoke of the meaning of Christmas, the Holy Family and the blessings of a home. By way of conclusion, each family lit a candle and offered three reasons of praise or prayer.

To end the evening, glasses were raised to celebrate the reunion of sharing the mission to bring adecuate housing to all families.

Year 6, Vol.1: End of the Year in Luján

2008-05-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

Another Year: More Houses, More Families, More Hope. End of the Year and “Little Bricks” Project in Luján. By Andrea Di Lucca (Lujan volunteer from Canada).

A small house with pink walls, a yellow roof, blue windows, a green door, many flowers and candy made trees, and the smile of a kid showing with pride to his family what he just had made... this is the image that comes to my mind when I think of the end of the year we organized for all the families from Habitat for Humanity Argentina in Luján.

On November the 17th we invited each family to spend some time with the aim of strengthening bonds and letting them get to know each other in a festive atmosphere. We also wanted to go over the topics we covered in the first months of the “Little Bricks” Project and make sure each child was aware of the fact that everyone has the right to have access to a house.

When the families came into the office, they found out that it has been transformed with the Christmas spirit: there were lights, a decorated Christmas tree and Christmas carols. On one side, families could see an exposition of pictures with examples of the activities in the “Little Bricks” project. On the other, a space for the kids, with toys and materials for them to make a Christmas card.

Little by little, each family came with food and drinks to share. The meal was something unforgettable! After a few words of welcome, we got started with the party activities. With wafer and candy, each kid built a small house with their parents help. Everyone had the same materials, but each house came out different and unique. When the activity was over we could appreciate many houses of different colours, like a rainbow of housing... an image that I shall never forget.

After the activity we got started with the party. We went out to the yard and had some cake, cookies, and other delicious deserts. Mariana Ballesteros, who was then the coordinator of the HPHA office in Luján, gave a speech about the successes in Habitat during the year and thanked all the families and the staff for all their work and enthusiasm.

It was a really nice moment when we invited all the kids that participated in “Little Bricks” to say some words about their experience in the workshops. It was something very special for them too to be able to tell us about their favourite activities and what they have learned in them.

In the end, we handed out Christmas bags to each family that had been donated by members of the Anglican Church. This was an amazing gesture by families from the City of Buenos Aires to families in Lujan, with a personalized Christmas Card reading “De una familia a otra” (From one family to another)

All in all, the end of the year gave us a great opportunity to gather all the families and staff members of HPHA Luján in a warm and festive atmosphere. There was a special energy in the office that afternoon and anyone could tell that we were all really happy from being there celebrating Habitat and everything that each family had accomplished. The end of the year was my last day as a volunteer in Luján and I feel really lucky of having the chance of being able to be there next to all the families and the staff. That afternoon I realized that Habitat for Humanity Argentina is not only building homes... it is also building hope and a huge family of people who share the same vision: that every family should have access to a simple, healthy, safe and affordable house and that we can all together help to make this possible. Yes, a lot of effort and work is required... but a change is possible. With events like “A year More”, we celebrate the successes and we encourage people to keep working with the mission of building loving and caring communities.

Year 6, Vol.1: Assisted Rents

2008-05-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

It is certainly not news to anyone that there are a large number of families living in poverty housing in Argentina. Neither would it come as a surprise to hear the statistics of people living below the poverty line... However, it may surprise you to know that in our city of Buenos Aires there are thousands of families living in squalid conditions in transitory cheap hotels, paying rates comparable to normal rents, whilst a considerable number of buildings remain empty. There are some 18,000 people in these conditions.... many of whose only obstacle to decent living conditions are legal requirements or discrimination of a marginalized population.

Having analysed this situation, Habitat for Humanity Argentina (HPHA) is offering a special service to these families, called “Assisted Rents”. This will provide an immediate solution for families with sufficient income to rent, but who today are limited to squalid hotels, boarding houses and other inadaquate accommodations.

The Assisted Rents project, which will mostly be taking place in the southern part of the City of Buenos Aires, seeks to act as a bridge between the property owners and the huge demand by the families living in unacceptable conditions with no possibility of improving their situation and for whom not having a formal guarantee to be eligible for a rent is an obstacle. Its aims are not transitory populations but families who wish to settle in the city. Assisted Rents will consist in creating a connection between home owners and future tenants. HPHA’s will assume the role of tutor and guarantee of the contract and will provde education and follow up with the family.

Even though this is not a final solution, HPHA tries to soothe the exclusion of families who are marginalized because of their origin or current living place, while at the same time providing trust by keeping track of the fulfilment of the contract. Therefore, Assisted Rents would be the immediate habitat solution that will tend to raise the living conditions of those who, because of different reasons, do not have access to a proper house and don’t have a choice other than to live in precarious and overcrowding conditions. Its impact remains in the fact that it allows to overcome the current situation using resources that are already available in society, immediately granting the access to a safe and healthy place to live in to the destinatary families of the programme.

The proposal aims to help those families who are excluded from the rent and property market: it is a project of temporary tutoring aimed at helping the family on its path towards a sustainable housing solution. As in all its programmes, HPHA will offer a “More than Rentals” programme, which includes training and educational workshops that will try to advise and guide families in thinking ahead, beyond their years of renting.

HPHA hopes to encourage owners of properties in the southern part of town to join this project. Its goal is to add new appartments to the already insufficient market. In order to do this, HPHA will try to convince owners who are afraid or unable to offer their unused properties for rent. The owners will receive the assurance of a carefully selected tenant whose interest in continuing along the “More than Rents” programme will encourage adequate care of the property. Where properties are not up to standard due to lack of use, HPHA foresees special projects to negotiate renovation as part of the rent agreement..

If you have an unused property or one you would like to offer in rent through this project, please contact us to: alquileres@hpha.org.ar

Year 6, Vol.1: Church Meeting

2008-05-29T05:53:00.000-07:00

The first Church Meeting was organized by Habitat for Humanity Argentina (HPHA) and held in Villa Maristas, Luján during March the 29th and 30th with a wonderful turnout.

The aim of the meeting was to let everyone know the work and mission of HPHA, as well as to explore new possibilities in which churches and HPHA could work together.

23 members of different Christian denominations participated and contributed to a warm, fraternal atmosphere. The representatives of the churches - Catholics, Evangelicals, Protestants and member of the Armenian Orthodox Church, the Adventist Church and the National Baptist Convention- came from Mendoza, Córdoba, Santa Fe and Buenos Aires.

The union of all those present was moving. There was no mention of various differences or denominations, but one common spirit to adhere to the proposal of HPHA of highlighting the similarities between each other and showing the strong social commitment that everybody had in common.

The meeting started on Saturday afternoon with some songs of praise. After that a creative game provided the opportunity for participants to get to know each other and the work of each Church and community.

The first day was taken up by workshops, including a thorough overview of HPHA’s mission and work. During the afternoon, certain proposals were presented whereby HPHA invited the Churches to get involved with their work. This inspired an animated discussion where all were able to voice their opinions about the possible ways in which –from churches as well as from each individual- they could get involved in HPHA’s mission.

To end the day, an informal “sing-along” was led by a Christian Folklore group. Many were clearly anxious for Sunday in order to experience the construction first hand!

Sunday got started with songs and a devotional. After that, every participant had the chance to show what they had learned the day before by participating in a construction brigade in the Farías Valderrama family. In the construction place, the House Leaders and other volunteers assigned the activities each one had to do and handed the tools and security elements to everyone. The participants started working with lots of enthusiasm: in each of them you could see the great sense of satisfaction of being able to put their faith in action. Thanks to the hard work of this brigade, a lot of progress was made in the construction of the house of this family in need.

The meeting ended with a delicious and simple meal. After which came the evaluation by each participant, and the thanks and acknowledgements: assistance certificates and souvenirs were handed out. A special appreciation was voiced by participants of the respect and care shown to volunteers throughout, and in particular relating to security on the worksite. Finally, and visibly moved, the homeowners Juan and Eva, thanked everyone for their help and asked Father Daniel Echeverría –one of the participants of the meeting- to bless their new home. Everyone joined in this prayer led by a Catholic priest, and then followed the lead of an Evangelical pastor in a memorable and spontaneous song.

Year 4, Volume 2: Brief News

2008-04-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

We made it to the 100^th family!

In March, the second Lands (Tierras) project was started in Lujan. Its objective is to develop an entire community not just build houses. Juan Cruz Farias, Eva Balderrama and their four children Jeremías, eight; Maria de los Angles, six; Fátima, three and Simón, one are the 100^th family to be served by Habitat. Right now the Farías- Balderramos family are living in the church and have to share the kitchen and bathroom that prevents them from living in privacy as all families should.

The vary fact that we have provided 100 families with a decent place to live fills all of us at Habitat for Humanity Argentina with joy. It is a milestone that we celebrate with joy but the real importance of this event is the realization that we have provided a family in urgent need of a home with hope of living a better life and living it with dignity.

Launching of the fund raising campaign: At Home for a House

The objective of the campaign: At Home for a House is to invite volunteers to act as host at a tea, dinner, lunch or cocktail in their home and invite people to discuss the problem of housing in Argentina. This campaign has three goals: to spread the word about housing solutions provided by Habitat, raise funds, and find volunteers.

María attended a get together and shared some of her thoughts with us. ¨At the meeting At Home for a House I was happy to realize that Habitat For Humanity Argentina possessed two of the most important components that are necessary for success: a strong sense of mission and professionalism. I join in my prayers and ask that everyone accompany the Habitat family with their small donation that will grow and be converted into the fulfillment of a dream for some family. I thank Habitat for making this possible and giving this opportunity to many families.

More than 100 people have been invited to join the campaign and we hope to send 100 more invitations. We hope that more and more people in the United States, England and Argentina will continue to grow and that the mission of Habitat for Humanity Argentina will bring together many more people.

You are invited to become a part of our campaign and act as a host of ¨At Home for A House¨. All you have to do is call or email the Habitat office and you will receive a tool Kit with all the materials you will need. Write eventos@hpha.org.ar or call 4792-2739/ 4793-4384

Family Commitment Campaign

At the beginning of spring the new, Families Commitment Campaign was inaugurated, its objective was to acquaint the families of the benefits they receive from being part of the Habitat family while keeping up with their monthly installments. With this campaign, we not only hope to lower the late payment rate, but also to help the families understand that by assuming this responsibility with Habitat they have made a commitment that allows us to continue our work giving others the opportunity to have access to a home. This campaign will take place in four phases, one for each season of the year: spring, summer, fall, and winter, the last being in June just before winter.

To reach each family directly they will be given a commitment statement with a personalized message informing them of their payment status. There will also be commitment posters in the local offices to reinforce our message.

This Family Commitment Campaign highlights Habitat’s commitment to provide better living conditions for these families and a way to accompany them along the road to sustainable growth in the future.

Year 4, Volume 2: National Office: Resource Development

2008-04-23T11:45:00.000-07:00

Tango and Build Dinner dance

The Tango and Build Dinner dance that was held at the Mahopac Golf Club of New York in the United States was a true success. One hundred twenty-five people attended and almost $15,000 dollars were collected. The event was organized by volunteers lead by Alejandro and Daniela Bernabo, Ágela Thompson, Lidia Díaz, Marcelo Pandi and his wife with the unconditional support of Jim Killoran, executive director of Habitat for Humanity, Westchester.

The guests, residents of New York and Argentines were drawn by the idea of appreciating and dancing the tango. Jubilee Multi Cultural Arts organized the show which was very well received. Later, those who had the courage and there were many, took part in tango classes. The mire two by four beat tempted people to travel to Argentina.

The guests not only, were drawn by the tango classes, but also, because they had an opportunity to support Habitat for Humanity Argentina. The fund raising was a great success, with prizes like round trip tickets New York/ Buenos Aries donated by Carbone Travel and a stay in the Sheraton Hotel Buenos Aires donated by Sheraton Hotels.

The guests raised funds and made a commitment to the HPHA mission most likely inspired by the presentation given by Milagros Bernabó and other members of a Global Village brigade who traveled with her to Argentina in May 2006. Her very interesting experience in Lujan inspired people to ask when the next event will be held. We are hoping that the Dinner dance organizers will follow Milagros’ example and come to Argentina on a Global Village brigade in 2008. We encourage this new initiative of Alex and Daniela Barnabó to continue recruiting donors and sponsors to come with a group that will dirty their hands at a construction site in Lujan, BA province.

Ma. Constanza Ledesma

National Resource Development Coordinator

Year 4, Volume 2: Santa Fe

2008-04-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

The Rotating Fund Bares Fruit

In Recreo, Santa Fe, families, donors, volunteers and HPHA friends gathered together to celebrate a very special event. On Wednesday October 24, 15 homes were dedicated for HPHA families. Among these homes was the first house financed entirely by the Rotating Fund. This fund is made possible thanks to the families who pay their monthly quotas, which in turn gives other families a chance to have a home of their own. In order for this system to work it is essential that each family makes a commitment to pay their quota each month. At this event the families received special mention for their contributions to the fund.

It was an especially important experience because, not only were the families included but also, volunteers from Global Village, HPHA national and local office personnel, local suppliers, friends and local government officials attended. There were speeches by personnel and friends. The Intendent maintained that the word Habitat is synonymous with dignity. He also mentioned that the Global Village members came to help in Recreo in order to fulfill a need of theirs. The children who participated in the Little Bricks (Ladrillitos) program performed a delightful play showing how the Rotating Fund works and highlighting the importance of paying into the Fund.

The members of the Global Village Group who came from Canada, Trinidad Tobago and the United States had an opportunity to give their testimony about what it was like working in Argentina. They found their one week’s work, adding finishing touches to the house being dedicated that day, very gratifying.

The Oyola and Arce families who were two of the beneficiaries of the houses dedicated that day, gave their testimonies about how it felt to finally have a real house. They agreed that this was the answer to their dream: to have a home where they felt comfortable and they could live a healthy life.

To close this typical Folklore festival there was music and tortas fritas (fry cakes) made by the women in the Habitat families. Everyone at the party pledged to continue the work in Recreo inaugurating many more houses with the Rotating Fund. There is a great demand in Recreo for low cost housing which reaches those families in need in the coming years. Habitat for Humanity is here to stay in Recreo.

Mariano Moreno

Local Coodinator

HPHA Santa Fe office

Year 4, Volume 2: National Office: Community Mobilization

2008-04-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

Different Kind of International Exchange
By Silvia Kaiser- Volunteer from

Germany

for six months

This will be an effort to put six intense months into a few words. I can see my family and friends are looking at me wide-eyed pleading ¨Come on, tells us about your experience!¨

Why drives a person to abandon a comfortable home and travel to a foreign country to be a volunteer? In my case it’s simple. With my diploma under my arm I was ready to exercise my brain to learn Spanish, drown myself in the Argentine culture and last but not least, try to save the earth in some way. So, on April 4, 2007 I arrived, rather nervous and full of expectation, at the National office of Habitat For Humanity Argentina in Buenos Aires.

From that moment I stated to work with Ariel, an Architect, in the housing solutions area and I shared my office with two other volunteers from the United States. Aisha and Alyssa.

All I learned in the school of architecture went up side down. Habitat taught me that a well designed house for people in need is much more important than a flamboyant 3D model.

The next step in my volunteer experience was to become a ¨Local Leader¨ and that took me to Santa Fe and Lujan. Together with local and international volunteers in cooperate and Global Village brigades I built walls, carried panels, dug holes for septic tanks, painted houses, made new friends and much more. All this was done by hand without any fancy equipment.

Working in an NGO, getting to know the families, seeing their hope transformed through hard work into the four walls of a house, motivated me deeply to change the way I see things.

Apart from a life experience, working in the construction area provided me with the opportunity to investigate the issue of security at the work site. All the information I received can be used in a biggest project that I ever worked on up to now: the HPHA Security Manual for Construction to be used as a resource for the families, the volunteers and the community involved in construction.

This experience was made possible thanks to the support of all the members of the HPHA team, who not only supported me as a colleague but also, as a friend. I would like to share the enthusiasm I feel with everyone in general. What would be a good way to spend your vacations instead of lying under the sun in Spain? Helping construct a roof for a family in need in South America is an excellent option. I strongly encourage everyone to live an experience like I did!

Put six months of my life into a few lines? Impossible!

Thanks to HPHA for accompanying me in an important experience, my volunteer service made in Argentina. It’s an international exchange of a different kind.

Silvia Kaiser

Volunteer HPHA

If you would like to be a volunteer write now to : voluntarios@hpha.org.ar

Year 4, Volume 2: National Office: Housing Sollutions

2008-04-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

Planning Our Cities – The Delicate Balance

The word ¨habitat¨, according to the dictionary is a place or condition that is appropriate for sustaining the life of an organism, spices, plant or animal community. This definition leads us to think of a place where plants and animals live in harmony with the environment.

If we contemplate the concept of ¨human habitat¨ we might think of it as the unification of social and physical conditions that determine the coexistence of a population of people without taking into consideration a balance with nature. Thinking in this way creates a paradox concerning the concept of ¨habitat¨.

Why do the words ¨human habitat¨ give the impression that we differentiate ourselves from our habitat. Human behavior is what leads us to these conflicting concepts. Observe the difference between the ecological and the urban, the natural and the contaminated, between the environment and degradation of the environment.

The ¨habitat¨, the environment of which we form a part, shows us time and time again with greater violence that our concept of independent ¨human habitat¨ is indeed dangerous belief. Devastating consequences are imminent not only because of human destruction but also because of man’s lack of understanding that he is part of the whole picture, only a small part.

The tsunami that scourged Indonesia in 2004 leaving 200,000 dead, two million homeless with 370,000 homes destroyed or damaged; the floods in Santa Fe province in April and May of 2003 where 300,000 people were evacuated, the destruction of more that 5,000 homes, leaving dozens dead are two events in a long list of events which must be considered a wake up call to rethink our concept of ¨human habitat¨ by preplanning our cities and recognizing the true place of human beings in the equilibrium of this planet.

This is a collective responsibility that we all have to assume in order to maintain a balance that will not affect our place on this planet and the place of all living things in ¨the habitat¨.

Our human settlements must begin to work as interdisciplinary communities ww forming alliances where a variety of analysis takes place and concepts are developed to reduce risk and produce respect for maintaining an equilibrium in our environment, thus creating concepts that effect urban planning in a positive way. Through the use of technical, natural, economic, political, ecological, sociological, psychological and other disciplines the solutions can be found to return the environment to the planet’s original course.

Let’s not be fooled by looking for THE solution to problems concerning housing and environment when within these two areas there are an endless amount of considerations that should be addressed together. The human settlements need the coordinated effort of the families who live there, civil organizations, the government and the international community. The value of an interdisciplinary effort is to maintain/assure equilibrium in our habitat. Concepts like population vulnerability in the face of poverty, the lack of resources to strengthen community structure, and city planning can not be treated only from a technical or ecological perspective. Other concepts like the need for a community to agree on an action plan in the face of an emergency, and the use and structure of community homes can not be addressed from one point of view. These areas must be analyzed using an interdisciplinary ACTION PLAN to maintain our place as the predominant specie on the planet as much for the survival of our specie as well as for the planet as a whole.

Ariel Alejandro Sosa

National Coordinator UTN for Housing Solutions and Sustainable Development

Year 4, Volume 2: Editorial

2008-04-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

In Latin America and the Caribbean 26 million homes do not provide basic shelter for the families who live there. In addition 28 million more homes are needed to eliminate the slums and inferior conditions in which families live.

Changing policies and creating partnerships to support a sustainable livelihood for families in need was the central theme of the Habitat for Humanity 2007 Leader’s Conference. The lush, green mountains of Heredia provided a quiet, secluded setting for the conference hosted by Habitat for Humanity’s Area Office based in Costa Rica. Several workshops dedicated to various facets of the theme were presented during the seven conference days.

It was my pleasure to be able to take part in the conference along with members of Latin American and Caribbean National Organizations, the Latin America and the Caribbean Area Office, and members of the Habitat International staff who came from their new offices in Atlanta, Georgia. We were gathered for the same purpose: to act as mentors for those people who need a voice, to learn more about what other countries are doing on a local level and to make plans for the future using the knowledge gained through our interaction.

Workshops included Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Housing and Human Settlement, Sustainability: a model of institutional development and Housing Development. The guest speaker, Graciela Landaeta PhD, professor of Housing Development and Management in Sweden shared her studies of low income housing in her native Bolivia and other parts of Latin America. Dr. Landaeta shared examples of success and failures of housing programs around the continent emphasizing the importance of addressing the needs of partner families as the first step in a sustainable solution.

The importance of transforming structures and processes both in the way Habitat reaches out to the individual families and how we influence the policies made today in each country was impressed upon us time and time again. Finally the Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Torre Nelson called us to action with these instructions: start with the family’s needs, develop products that respond to those needs, form alliances with other organizations that create holistic changes in the lives of the families, and finally, balance building homes with advocacy for those who we serve, those who have no voice.

We have learned in Habitat for Humanity Argentina, that we can make a difference in people’s t lives. We do that every day. We also know that there is a great deal left to do. We need others to join us by being volunteers, donating time, money or experience so that more families in Argentina and the world can look forward to a better future.

Patricia Caviezel

Vice President (October 2005/2007)

Year 4, Volume 1: News in Brief

2008-04-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

HFHA Annual Meeting

Office personnel, volunteers, members of the National Board and Assembly members participated in the HFHA´s Fourth Annual Meeting on May 17-19 called “Sowing or Reaping?”. The objectives were:

Take a critical look at the organization as it stands today
Pledge to work together as an efficient team
Get to know and treasure each other

We reached our planned objective. The meeting closed with high levels of motivation, organization and energy to continue supporting our mission.

HFHA: One step to Buenos Aires!

On June 4, 2007 the final conclusions of the study on Habitat for Humanity Argentina’s Program for Buenos Aires and the Greater Metropolitan Area was presented. For eight months HFHA has been preparing to initiate its work in Buenos Aires and the Greater Metropolitan Area (BAMA).

At the beginning of 2007 a group of professional consultants in the areas of social urban housing was formed to identify opportunities and evaluate different options that would enable HFHA to begin the BAMA program. The conclusions presented by the team were hopeful and within a few weeks a course of action will be decided upon in order for us to begin work on this project.

During this presentation not only were members of the National Board present but also, Assembly members and special guests in the field of housing: Mr. Raúl Fernández Wagner from the University of General Sarmiento, Mr. Carlos Castro and Leonor from the Concordia del Asentamiento 22 de Enero from the neighborhood of La Matanza and lastly Mr. Daniel Aguilar and Mr. Cesar Alfonso from the Land and Social Habitat of the San Miguel municipality.

Year 4, Volume 1: National Office: Resource Development

2008-04-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

The Big Habitat for Humanity Family

Much has been said about Habitat for Humanity (HFH) working locally and adapting itself to the needs of each community to resolve the problem of inadequate housing. This is very true… In addition I had the extreme pleasure of experiencing the support of our global family between April 22 and May 3 this year.

With the support of the Area Office for Habitat for Humanity Latin America and the Caribbean (HFH LAC) I visited various affiliates in the United States where I experienced the hospitality and felt the brotherhood of a Christian organization. I stopped at Troy, Albany in Rensselaer Co. New York. In Patterson New Jersey I participated in a ¨Latin Night¨ and found out more about their work. I was in Bucks Co. Pennsylvania and Newburg, New York where I participated in a ¨Walk for Houses¨ and was given a HFH tour around the city. I also met with Mary A. Bonner, president of the affiliate in Westchester Co. who has, on various occasions, shown her solidarity with Habitat for Humanity Argentina.

During my travels it was evident time and time again that one of the reasons that HPH has accomplished so much around the world is that it functions as a big family. And this family grows… in this trip I witnessed how one Argentine and his family took a leadership role in organizing events and finding financial aid to help Argentines who live in unacceptable conditions. Alex and Daniela Bernabó organized a wine and empanada dinner for their friends where they planned their coming fundraiser ¨Tango and Build¨ at the Mahopac Golf Club on August 18. Glenda Páez from White Plains is contributing buy selling tickets. Other workers who have showed support are Gabriel Maioli, Matias Delfino and Argentines who work at the United Nations.

This generosity extends to the USA west coast, thanks to the invitation of a faithful and generous donor from Bellingham, Washington. I flew to the west coast to give a presentation in a church for a group of friends and family who hope to support the projects here in Argentina

In the name of HFHA I would like to thank these affiliates who generously opened their doors to me and who have started a long term partnership with HFHA, to HFH LAC for their support for my trip, to the Bernabó family, the Argentine Club from the United Nations. I would also like to thank Steve and Julie McMinn and everyone of the people who gave willingly and generously of their hospitality and time so that this trip translates into more houses for those in need so they can call it ¨home¨.

Ma. Constanza Ledesma

National Resource Development Coordinator

National Office

Year 4, Volume 1: Luján: Building Neighborhoods

2008-04-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

The Luján Office is working on their next initiative called the Neighborhood by Neighborhood Project. This is the first project where HFHA is attempting to improve the environment of a whole neighborhood.

The objective of Neighborhood by Neighborhood Project is to improve the living conditions of the 100 families who live in the Barrio San Cayetano and Padre Varela neighborhoods. Because these two neighborhoods have the greatest need in the Luján area, this project will consist of loans in kind and housing solutions tailored to meet the specific necessity of each household. Some of the solutions that will be addressed are Obtaining Legalized Land Titles, Loans for Improvements and House with Land. At the same time HFHA´s aim is to generate interest in the continued development of the neighborhoods of Barrio San Cayetano and Padre Varela by encouraging the participation by families and institutions in the area to build community consciousness which includes the creation of community green areas.

The Neighborhood by Neighborhood Project aims to help those low income families who live in Barrio San Cayetano and Padre Varela neighborhoods in Luján and suffer difficult living conditions and who are looking for a final solution either in the form of a complete housing solution, a progressive house, or with legalization of their land.

Mariana Ballesteros

Local Coordinator

Luján Office - HFHA

Year 4, Volume 1: Santa Fe: Responding to needs

2008-04-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

Responding to needs

The Santa Fe office has designed and is implementing the Let us Build Project in the suburb of Recreo.

The objective of this Project is to provide an opportunity for at least 50 families who live in precarious conditions, have low incomes and do not legally own their own land to have access to a house with land included within the next two years.

The houses for this project will be built with pre-molded cement panels that are bolted together designed to meet the needs of the individual families.

Community Involvement: Developing Communities

The Let us Build Project consists of houses built together on a large lot for a minimum of four families. Because of this innovation in building method in western Recreo, HFHA has the possibility of effecting the urbanization of this area. In this way HFHA is able to work together with the municipal government to provide for recreational areas, green areas, sidewalks, pavement and basic public services like electricity and water.

Community Development Workshops serve as incentive to individuals empowering them to improve the quality of their life over a short, medium and long period of time. Besides the workshops that include Financial Literacy, Legal Literacy and Little Bricks there are plans to offer another workshop called Community Involvement.

At the same time the local Santa Fe Office will be offering the following workshops:

- Organic Vegetable Gardens

- Family Nutrition

- House maintenance

- Sustainability of the house

- The energy efficient home

The objective is to reach at least 30 families who are not yet HFHA beneficiaries for each workshop.

The first six families for this project have been selected and we hope they will be able to move into their new houses in three months. We are looking forward to the success of the Let us Build Project.

Mariano Moreno

Local Coordinator

Santa Fe Office – HFHA

Year 4, Volume 1: National Office: Community Development

2008-04-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

Interview with María Celina Malvazo

Tell us what type of family we hope to serve?

HFHA hopes to serve the families with the greatest need. Today our projects are directed toward families who can pay a maximum monthly quota of $150 (pesos) / u$s 50 (dollars).

How do you achieve this?

We face a great challenge here. Traditionally HFHA has focused on designing and offering a certain type of house to the focus public. Then if the families were able to pay the quota and fell within the selection criteria set by HFHA they were able to enter the program. Now we have modified the system by identifying the needs of the poorest families first instead of designing a product (home) then looking for a family to fit into it. We analyze the socioeconomic situation of our focus group and produce a plan to offer long term credit to solve their housing needs. These credits are adjustable depending upon the needs and the possibilities of each family. The families return the money without interest over a long period of time.

How are families selected?

We prepare social reports on the families interested in our program that fit the profile of our focus group for each separate project. Next, a Selection Committee consisting of local volunteers and HFHA personnel evaluate each case. Those families with the greatest most urgent need have priority over the others. In addition other organizations HFHA works in association with can recommend a family. Once selected the family is accepted into the program.

What does the follow up consist of?

Once a family is selected they attend a series of workshops before, during and after the construction of their house. These workshops not only strengthen the ties between HFHA and the family but also enable us to address the needs of each family and strengthen the central values of HFHA like faith in action and sweat equity.

The children are also included in workshops through the Little Bricks Project. Both mothers and children attend educational and recreational workshops where they learn the value of having a home and its maintenance. At the same time we help them adapt to a new mode of living that is often very different than what they were used to.

In order to maintain a continuous relationship with the HFHA families we offer workshops on Financial Literacy and Legal Literacy. We also give workshops in partnership with other NGO’s on topics such as the changes in a growing family, family health, education and how to start a small business.

Is that what you call “More than Houses”?

Yes, we in HFHA want to provide the families and communities with “More than Houses”, giving them tools by which they can develop and grow. We wish to be a means by which the family progresses, where they are able to achieve a new reality no longer living in a precarious lifestyle. Owning a house alone is very important but it does not guarantee progress nor does it strengthen the family or the community.

Do the families achieve a true transformation?

That is our goal. Of course the transformation does not happen from one day to the next nor does it happen once the family moves into their house. Our job starts with the house and continues year after year. For this reason we are developing a measurement tool “Human Development Measurement Tool” that allows us to visualize and monitor the concrete development of each family over the years. That way we know if we are successfully enabling the positive transformation of each family.

Year 4, Volume 1: National Office: Advocacy

2008-04-23T11:14:00.001-07:00

Inadequate Housing in Argentina: An open debate

What does deficit housing mean and where do we get the statistics

The word “deficit” means “lack of the necessary”. By this we understand that “housing deficit” means the lack of adequate housing in this country.

In Argentina it is difficult to establish the extent of the housing deficit in exact numbers. The evaluation of the housing situation tends to be done with long intervals of time in between, and is subject to economic and political modifications. Nevertheless, there are organizations that create indicators with which to measure the housing situation in the country. By evaluating the finding of several organizations it is possible to come up with a rough estimate of deficit housing.

We utilize international resources (U.N. Habitat CEPAL) as well as national resources (INDEC, Censes, EPH (Permanent Homes Census) or universities) and we conclude that in Argentina there are 4,000,000 families that suffer some sort of basic housing need.

Year 4, Volume 1: Editorial

2008-04-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

A whole section of this edition of our newsletter is dedicated to statistical information concerning the housing problem in Argentina. The mere magnitude of these numbers is impressive but these are not just cold, hard statistics. They represent the millions of people who do not have adequate housing in this country.

We in Habitat for Humanity Argentina (HFHA) understand that the value of a house cannot be measured by its four walls alone. It’s much more than that. By means of our work we expect that a house will provide a family with:

Security and stability
A sense of family, community and solidarity
Space where children can grow up healthy and where learning takes place
A sense of achievement and personal satisfaction
An important step out of poverty toward a better future

To achieve this, HFHA wishes to build hope, responsibility, solidarity, love, and stimulate faith in action by empowering families, communities and society.

The continuous follow up, educational guide and support that HFHA gives families before, during and after the construction of new homes is one of the factors that ensures the success of our program. This, which we call “More than Houses¨, is the key to a sustainable solution that provides a transformation of the families by improving their quality of life. In the interview with María Celina Malvazo, National Community Development Coordinator for HFHA, we invite you to explore this theme.

Ana Cutts

National Director

National Office - HFHA

Year 3, Volume 3: News in Brief

2008-04-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

The National Director travels to England

Taking advantage of her holidays in England, Ana Cutts visited St. John the Baptist Church, Holywell cum Needingworth, which finances the Little Bricks Project as part of the Church Triangle Project, which it forms along with St. John the Baptist Anglican Cathedral in Buenos Aires. There Ana presented HFHA´s Institutional Video, and the participants of the “Home Sweet Home HFHA” award. The “Pot-Luck-Dinner” was attended by about 50 people, all of whom showed great interest in HFHA´s mission.

Ana Cutts was also invited to give a talk at the Uffington’s Women’s Association and the Argentine Dioceses Association (ADA) in London.

We are very grateful for the interest demonstrated and donations received from both organizations, and hope to continue and increase contact in the future.

HFHA in Luján received the José Hernández prize given by the Chamber of Deputies of the Province of Buenos Aires

In recognition of its work in Luján, HFHA received the José Hernández Prize. Given by the H. Chamber of Deputies of the Province of Buenos Aires, the prize distinguishes individuals and organizations which work in the areas of culture, science, arts, sports and education. HFHA was nominated to receive the prize by the provincial deputy Maria Inés Fernández in appreciation of the work done in Luján towards providing durable solutions to the problem of inadequate housing. The final winners were decided by consensus of all the sectors of the provincial Chamber of Deputies.

Homes Fund

Did you know that your donation – big or small – together with those of others, helps families to have a simple, healthy home? Join the Homes Fund!

What is the Homes Fund?

HFHA´s Homes Fund is the result of donations given by individuals and institutions, throughout the period of one year. The Homes Fund is used to further HFHA´s mission.

Donate with your credit card and in 2007 give your support to families in need of a place to call home.

How to donate?

Call (54 11) 4793-4384/ 4792-2739 or write to oficinanacional@hpha.org.ar

Donations can be made by credit card, cash, check or bank transfer.

Gartner Group Donation

Since the beginning of our work in Argentina, the law firm Marval, O’Farrel & Mairal has supported us by providing legal counsel within their Pro-bono programme. As the organization grew – and with it the work load for our generous attorneys – our relationship with them has grown stronger, to the point that they helped us achieve the largest donation ever received locally by Habitat for Humanity Argentina. One of the firm’s clients, Gartner Group Argentina, has contributed a very significant donation which will allow Argentine families to reach the dream of a lifetime: a home and the chance to begin a new life!

On behalf of these families and of all of Habitat for Humanity Argentina: THANK YOU!

From the Ballroom to the Building Site

On the 2^nd of September in Luján we began building the house financed by the “A House for a House” challenge held at the Annual Dinner 2006. Guests and most of the dinner organizers along with volunteers and friends were all part of a construction team which celebrated the ground-breaking of the construction, and were able to witness the joy of the Román Martínez family who began living the dream of having their own house.

2006 Assembly

In October 2006 HFHA´s Annual Assembly was held. Fifteen people attended the meeting, including members of the National Board, volunteers, staff and guests.

In addition to the presentation of the annual executive report, an interesting debate took place regarding topics of interest to the organization.

First Work Team of the Year!!!

On Saturday 13th of January the HFHA´s first work team took place! Consisting of eight volunteers belonging to Accenture and one volunteer in training to become a House Leader, the Team painted the entire exterior of the house belonging to the Lucia Martínez family in Pueblo Nuevo, Luján. The volunteers were impressed by HFHA´s work in Luján, and many of them want to carry on supporting us!!

“I thank God because our first Work Team of 2007 was a complete success! Each of the tasks was carried out smoothly, and the volunteers enjoyed their day. This is a very good start for our year’s activities!!!

Macelo Ortelli, House Leader

Department of Volunteers and Work Teams - National Office

Year 3, Volume 3: Cañada de Gómez

2008-04-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

The small community of Cañada de Gómez traveled a long yet successful road to reach the dedication of the first HFHA house!! Among many other achievements, Cañada de Gómez is the Local Office which raised the largest amount of money to finance the first home in their city. Various fundraising events were organized with the help of volunteers and members of families in need of housing, and donations were received from important local businessmen and companies.

On the 14^th of October, after much work and with the collaboration of the group of volunteers who initiated and supported HFHA´s work in Cañada de Gómez, we celebrated the dedication of the first home built in Cañada, belonging to the Corbalán Family.

As always, each community adds its own personal touch and style to these celebrations. In Cañada de Gómez great emotion was felt when a letter written by Camila Corbalán´s school friends was read out loud, and a festive touch was added by “Javier & Victoria” (Daiana Corbalán´s school friends) who offered a Tango show.

Mr. Corbalan´s parents and relatives, other HFHA partner families, school friends of the Corbalan daughters’ Daiana and Camila Corbalan attended the event. Staff and volunteers of the HFHA Office in Cañada de Gómez and members of HFHA´s Local Advisory Council were also present. Ana Cutts, National Director, and M. Constanza Ledesma, National Resource Development Coordinator, traveled from Buenos Aires to join the Corbalán family on this special day.

Year 3, Volume 3: National Office

2008-04-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

Community Mobilization

At the beginning of September 2006, Habitat for Humanity Argentina organized “The Strength of Volunteers” Resources Fair, with participants from the 4th Annual Volunteer Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Argentine Red Cross, “Asociación Civil De la Nada”, “Ingenieros por el Desarrollo”, “Asociación Civil Microenergía” and “Fundación Sagrada Familia”.

The various HFH programmes in different countries in Latin America had their own stands; Manuel Mancuello from HFH LAC gave a talk about “International Volunteers”; Gustavo Sampayo from the Argentine Red Cross gave a presentation about “How to Develop the Participation of Volunteers”, and Marcelo González, corporate volunteer for Novartis, shared his experiences as a “Corporate Volunteer”.

The Fair was held on the beautiful grounds of the United Community Church (UCC) in Acassuso. In addition to allowing us the use of their halls and garden free of charge, the UCC also invited us all to an excellent “Asado”. The “Asociación Civil Microenergía” also contributed to the evening by exhibiting its innovative Solar Oven “Inti-Raymi” donated by the Bourne Rotary Club, England, which was used to heat the traditional Argentine “empanadas”.

One of the evening’s highlights was a show given by the traditional folklore group “Los del Camino.” The group once again demonstrated their commitment to HFHA´s mission by delighting everyone present with their music and performance.

Year 3, Volume 3: Luján

2008-04-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

Global Village: To see the world through different eyes!

One of my tasks as a long term volunteer for Habitat for Humanity Argentina was to accompany the Global Village teams from different parts of the world to the building sites in Argentina. My responsibilities included participating with the building projects and coordinating necessary supplies such as snacks, water, transportation and restaurants.

It was a really great experience for me. On the one hand I had time to help on the building site and work hand-in-hand with the families and on the other hand I got to know people from all over the world.

I learned a lot and had a great time with all the people. In total I worked together with GV teams 4 times: twice in Santa Fe and twice in Luján. In both places I had a lot of support from the local affiliate, without them it wouldn’t have been the same!

The international volunteers also learned a lot. Working together with partner families they were able to experience a different culture. I always felt accepted…and with the last group I even felt like part of the team!

We also felt really connected with the families, sharing the whole working day and sometimes even more with them! If the weather was nice and everybody wasn’t too tired, we had football matches after finishing work. We also had huge “asados” or farewell events. So everybody had a chance for experiences outside the construction site as well. The feedback I’ve heard from participants on every team has been great!

My volunteer work with HFHA finished at the end of December, however, I will be leading a GV team on a trip to Honduras before returning home to Germany in January 2007, and I look forward to this and future involvement with GV programmes around the world. ¡Hopefully my participants will be as delighted as the others were!

Nils Dickhoff

German volunteer with HFHA from February to December 2006

2008-04-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

Women of Faith Building with Love: A life changing experience

From November 10^th through 17^th, an international construction event called Women of Faith Building with Love was held in Recreo, province of Santa Fe, Argentina.

More than 120 local, national and international women, belonging to different churches and communities of faith, gathered at the city of Recreo to build four homes for the Correa, Oyola, Socías and Toranzo families. These houses belong to the Progressive House Project and the Building Bridges Project: Recreo-Bellingham.

The volunteers worked together with members of the partner families, who helped teach the volunteers how to perform certain tasks at the construction site. Mr. Mario Formento, the Mayor of Recreo, took part in the event and worked at the construction site along with officials from the Municipal Government and Town Council.

Important Results

During eight days of construction, work was done on four houses. One full house and a half of another were finished, each made up of one bedroom, bathroom, living-dining room and kitchen. The construction was done with cement panels (each weighing around 90 kgs.) screwed together.

Transforming lives

Women of Faith Building with Love not only gave the partner families a strong message of solidarity, teamwork and putting “love into action” in order to help those in need, it also signified a substantial advance in the construction of their homes.

In numbers, this means that: the work done during the 8 days of Women of Faith Building with Love saved the families almost 5 weeks of work (the time they would have needed to advance the construction to the same point reached during the event).

A special mention is deserved by all the volunteers who worked during this event: a group of 11 Baptist women from the United States who traveled to Recreo, paying all their expenses and making an important donation to HFHA, to work in the construction of these houses; as well as international, national and local volunteers who took time from their jobs, families and homes to help with the organization of this event, and work at the construction site, putting their “faith into action” and showing their love for others.

The team from the HFHA Santa Fe Office would like to thank all of those who made this event a success, including staff and volunteers from HFHA.

Jorge Díaz

Local Coordinator

Year 3, Volume 3: Editorial

2008-04-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

A new year is beginning, and with it the evaluation of last year’s activities and achievements, and laying out new plans and objectives.

In 2006 our goal was to increase Committed Participation. We sought to encourage volunteers from different parts of society and from around the globe to join and support our mission. We achieved an important increase in the number of volunteers and Work Teams working with us in our National and Local Offices, and at our construction sites in Luján, Santa Fe and Cañada de Gómez. Local Work Teams, long and short term volunteers, Global Village Teams, and national and international events all provided a means for mobilizing people from different cultures, religious backgrounds, professions and nationalities willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

This increase in participation generated an increase in the number of housing solutions offered. This year 24 families were able to work on the construction or renovation of their houses, and celebrate Christmas and the New Year in their new homes!

Our challenge for 2007 is Growth: to increase the number of families we are able to assist in overcoming poverty. Our aim is to serve 91 families during the year. The challenge is considerable… but the organization is prepared! With each passing day we realize that we are able to make a difference “house by house, family by family,” transforming lives. We thank you for your support, and invite you to continue accompanying us throughout 2007!

Ana Cutts

National Director Nacional

Year 3, Volume 2: News in brief

2008-04-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

Legal Literacy: “The ABC of how to obtain, legalize and protect your property”:

Habitat for Humanity Argentina has developed and is implementing the Legal Literacy Programme, an educational course which covers the different legal aspects related to the acquisition, legalization and protection of properties. The programme is aimed at supporting families, helping them sort the various obstacles encountered at the moment of legalizing or regularizing the documentation of their land or property, and informing them of the various aspects related to buying land or properties with absolutely legal deeds.

Year 3, Volume 2: Department of Associations

2008-04-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

Networking and spreading hope

Habitat for Humanity Argentina has begun an associative project with other organizations interested in finding solutions for families in need of adequate housing.

With the intention of reaching every corner of the country where there is an urgent need of housing, we have started to lay the foundations of a network. In this sense, we are identifying, contacting and forming associations with a diverse range of organizations, institutions and government entities which seek to improve the housing situation in Argentina, either through public policies or construction and development projects.

Together with some of our partner organizations, such as “Fundación Sagrada Familia” (www.fsf.com.ar) and “De la Nada Asociación Civil” (www.delanada.org), we are preparing a publication with the objective of conveying the benefits perceived by working in association during the past years.

Within the framework of this project we have been able to learn from the experience of many organizations such as the “Movimiento de Ocupantes e Inquilinos” (www.moicoop.org.ar) and the “Secretariado de Enlace de Comunidades Autogestionarias”, amongst others. In addition to this, and as a means to provide further academic background to our work, we have held meetings with Arq. Jaime Sorin, Dean of the “Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Urbanismo de la Universidad de Buenos Aires” (www.fadu.uba.ar), and Arq. Fernández Wagner from the “Instituto del Conurbano de la Universidad de General Sarmiento” (www.ungs.edu.ar) gave us a conference regarding the housing and living environment situation in Latin America and Argentina during the Annual Staff Meeting held this year.

We are aware that building a network of associations requires dedication, patience and hard work, and HFHA aims daily at generating a widespread interest in creating a world where every family lives in decent housing.

Ariel Sosa

Department of Associations (Investigation)

National Office

Year 3, Volume 2: Cañada de Gómez

2008-04-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

Double Celebration on a National Holiday

On Saturday 25^th of May, the neighbours or Cañada de Gómez in Santa Fe held a double celebration: the 196^th anniversary of Argentina’s first National Government and the arrival of the first Global Village Team at Cañada de Gómez! These men and women, young and middle aged, with different professions and occupations, worked in the construction of homes included in the Lands Project, which counts with the support of Habitat for Humanity International and Citibank Argentina.

Local authorities, donors, staff and volunteers from the local office in Cañada de Gómez, together with Patricia Caviezel, Vice-President of the National Board of Directors of HFHA, held a simple welcome ceremony for the team from USA and Canada.

As usually happens on such occasions, the emotional note was given by the families. Claudia Walter and Sonia Mella de Torres spoke on behalf of the HFHA families, and thanked each member of the Global Village Team for their work and concern. With great simplicity, Claudia confessed that on the day of the team’s arrival she went to her house and cried out of sheer happiness: “I waited so many years to have my house, I could not believe my eyes… but I do not cry in public”.

Owing to the work done by the Global Village Team, the construction which would have taken weeks was achieved in only 8 days! This not only accelerates the rate of construction, it also helps reduce the cost of each house.

In the name of the families, HFHA, and the Cañada de Gómez community, we heartily thank each member of the team!

Year 3, Volume 2: Luján

2008-04-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

What is the Lands Project?

The Lands Project is an innovation of HFHA in response to the large number of families in need of a home, but who do not own their own land. Before this project was implemented, HFHA required all families to own a plot of land or have a title deed in order to become beneficiaries. After a long process, 6 plots of land were bought in Open Door, semi-detached houses were designed, and the first families were selected. The challenge and our proposal was to reduce construction costs by building various houses in the same piece of land (economy of scale), thus enabling the families to afford the cost of the land as well as the house.

On Friday 26^th of May the dedication of the last 4 houses of the Lands Project was held in Open Door, Luján. The houses were financed through a special fund-raising campaign which counted with the support of Maersk S. A., H. B. Fuller, Lincoln, St. John´s Holywell Parish, individual donors, and the proceeds of a dinner organized in Peekskill, New York, by Alex Bernabó.

By one of those blessings which God provides, the dedication coincided with the last day of work of the Global Village Team from Boston, USA, whose leader was no other than Alex´s daughter, Milagros!

After listening to an endearing and inspiring story which encouraged us all to stop feeling like

defenceless little birds waiting to be helped, and become soaring Condors able to help others, the Medina, Burgos, Cuesta and Rajoy families moved us all with their words of gratefulness and sincerity. “Here we learnt that it is possible to dream with a better world”, one of them said holding back tears of emotion.

Four of the youngsters from Boston gave their carefully rehearsed speeches in Spanish as each family received a Bible. Ana Cutts, our National Director, reminded us that the dedication of each house is not the end of the road for the families, rather it is truly the beginning of a new journey towards building a home filled with love, patience, understanding and effort; and continuing the monthly payments in order to enable more families to have their own home.

As usual, HFHA Luján prepared refreshments with cakes and “empanadas”, and we could not help feeling like one big family – global due to the presence of Milagros and her team – made up of beneficiary families, volunteers and staff.

Building Homes

What is the Building Homes Project?

As HFHA in Luján grows, more and more families approach us in search of an opportunity to work together to acquire an affordable, simple, healthy house. Some of them own land, others are on their way towards owning their land. As a means of response to this need HFHA Luján approved the Building Homes Project, with the object of reaching 35 families in need – who have their own land – in 3 years. These families must live in districts or towns within a 20 km. radius from the city of Luján.

The construction of the first four houses of the Building Homes Project started in 2006 due to the finance and support of Citibank Argentina and Habitat for Humanity International. The first beneficiary families are from Open Door and Luján. The building is being done in record time as a result of the increase in the number of Corporate Teams from Citibank Argentina, Novartis, Monsanto and the Monthly Work Teams made up of individual volunteers.

On Saturday 27^th of May a team from Citibank Argentina gave the finishing touches to the Berterré family’s home. That same afternoon everyone stayed on to the dedication of the house, with the participation of José Colacilli, President of the National Board of Directors of HFHA, and Juan Brouchou, CEO of Citibank Argentina amongst the guests.

Year 3, Volume 2: From Northern Ireland to Santa Fe

2008-04-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

During this last month I had the chance, together with Nils Dickoff (German volunteer at HFHA), to be the local leader of a Global Village Team from Northern Ireland.

After weeks of careful planning, and a growing sense of expectation mixed with enthusiasm and nervousness, we finally received our volunteers! The team was made up of nine young women and four young men, including a married couple, all of whom could barely hide their excitement and eagerness to start building. The same day they arrived at the airport, the group had their welcome and orientation meeting at our National Office in Buenos Aires, travelled to Santa Fe and wasted no time in going to the construction site.

We shared a total of seven days building in Recreo together with the HFHA families, neighbours and builders. The team worked very hard, and was always willing to learn new tasks. The volunteers´ building skills improved day by day, and by the end of the sojourn all of them seemed almost like professional builders. I was specially impressed by one of the volunteers, Christopher, a 21 year old construction worker, who with infinite patience, humility and simplicity, taught and helped each of his teammates to accomplish the different tasks required.

The Bible says that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and with each passing day I was able to appreciate the truth of this statement. The beneficiary families constantly asked us to tell the volunteers how grateful and touched they were by their help. The families were interested in getting to know each of the volunteers, asked their names, what their country was like, and insisted on sharing a “mate” with “tortas fritas” or biscuits. The language difference imposed no obstacle for the conveyance of solidarity, care for others, and putting love into action.

But, not everything was work… We also had lots of fun! At the end of the first day the Santa Fe office organized a typical argentine “asado” or barbecue. We had folklore music and dancing, and the team taught us traditional Irish songs. The last day all of us played an exciting football match: families, builders, neighbours and volunteers formed a truly international team!

The team from Northern Ireland lived the experience of a lifetime, and took special memories back home. They were able to learn about Argentina, our customs and traditions. They became aware of the dire living conditions in which many poor argentine families live, but were also able to experience the satisfaction of truly making a difference. On a personal level, one of the greatest gifts left behind by this team is the certainty that the satisfaction felt by helping others transcends differences in culture, nationality or language, and is equally enhancing for everyone.

Thank you for this space.

Marcelo Ortelli

Department of Volunteers and Work Teams

National Office

Year 3, Volume 2: National Office: Annual Dinner

2008-04-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

The Annual fund-raising dinner was held on June 8th in the Sheraton Hotel’s elegant Retiro Hall.

The Master of Ceremony was Pancho Ibáñez and we were pleased to welcome a number of distinguished guests. Cargill Foundation, Shell, Pan American Energy, Citibank Argentina and Jempsa generously sponsored the event.

The evening included a Silent Auction in a festive atmosphere with the Jazz Band, and the “A House for a House” challenge, where miniature bricks and other parts of a house were sold to raise enough money to finance a real house.

An enthusiastic group of 63 volunteers from Australia, France, Germany, United States, Santa Fe, Luján, Buenos Aires and from St. George’s North School and Saint John’s School, wearing helmets and carrying pails full of bricks, sold and built our miniature house!

The evening ended with a Tango show before the floor was opened for dancing.

Those of us who work with Habitat for Humanity Argentina feel really satisfied with the results of this event. We think we have been able to establish contacts between the guests, companies and volunteers. Everyone who participated of this event was able to obtain a vision of the housing problems in Argentina, and to understand the work Habitat for Humanity does with families.

As one of our guests said: “Habitat for Humanity Argentina does what lots of us would like to do, but are not able to do by ourselves…Thank you for encouraging us to help!”

Year 3, Volume 2: Editorial

2008-04-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

Volunteers are so very important to Habitat for Humanity Argentina’s mission! They add to our daily tasks with their enthusiasm, commitment, interest and hard work, and bring alive our “More than Houses” programme. As we reach out to families in need of walls and roofs we also pray that we are bringing them hope and a chance to improve their lives in every aspect.

This Newsletter is a special recognition to all those volunteers who have and are helping Habitat for Humanity Argentina in so many different ways… and particularly to those silent, “unsung volunteers” who help regularly with routine office work or in their professional capacity.

We thank God for the help of all our volunteers and pray that He will bless each and every one of them.

Ana Cutts

National Director

Year 2, Volume 2: NEWS IN BRIEF

2008-04-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

Triangle of Churches: Since July, in the Luján Affiliate, the project “Triángulo con Iglesias” has been developing with the financial and prayerful help of people from the Anglican Cathedral of Buenos Aires and Holywell Parish Church in Cambridge,

England

The general idea of the project is that children and neighbors of the owners of the “Proyecto Tierras en Open Door” have a space where they are provided with educational and recreational activities, helping them to understand the value of their new home. This project is bringing the largest group amongst our beneficiaries, the children, closer to the heart of our mission.

Corporate Campaign to support the Lands Project: Thanks to the generous support of the volunteer María Marta Oliver, all the profits and subscriptions from a breakfast in the Marriott Plaza Hotel on August 10th were donated to the “Lands Project”. Many well-known people came to breakfast including Carolina Patrón Costas from the Australian Embassy, Constanza Gorleri from Banco Galicia, and the lawyers Gabriel Badino, Elena Riera from Maersk, Julián Ferrer of Cargill and Carolina Montera from the Fundation Creer y Crecer. José Colacilli, President of the National Board and Ana Cutts, National Director, explained the concepts of the campaign.

Join E. LI .CA!: Thanks to the new group of volunteers E.LI.CA. (Team of House Leaders) we are improving our local teams. The Rotary International Peace Scholars in Lujan and the Anglican Church of Buen Pastor in Villa Devoto, Buenos Aires, have already been out to Lujan to help build under the efficient coordination of ELICA.

Anyone who would like to join this team of House Leaders please write to to Ariel Sosa: arielalejandrososa@yahoo.com.ar

LOOKING FORWARD

Coming Soon: A special edition of the News Bulletin about the Leaders’ Conference of Habitat for Humanity Latinoamérica and the Caribeean held in San José Costa Rica in August, and about the events which followed in New York organized by Argentine volunteers.

Dates to remember:

▫ 6^th October: Event for the closing of the “Campaña Corporativa del Proyecto Tierras” in Recreo, Santa Fe.

▫ 10^th October: Annual meeting of HPHA.

Year 2, Volume 2: LUJAN AFFILIATE: International Brigades

2008-04-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

Putney Brigade in Torres

Only three days after accepting an internship as house leader I realized that this was going to be more than a professional challenge. Today, after sharing 10 days in the Putney Team I can say that it has been an incredible experience, surpassing all my expectations.

It was the first project of Habitat in my small village, Torres (district of Luján, Buenos Aires) where one of the requirements was that the beneficiary family had its own land.

The Putney team was made up of 18 American teenagers, and it was coordinated by Melany (American) and Mikael (Brasilian), both of whom had come to Argentina to collaborate with Habitat’s program.

Many of them had participated in Habitat’s program in different parts of the world, but for us it was the first time that we worked with an international group of volunteers.

On Monday 5th July, we visited the land where the house of Guido and Iván was being built. After introducing the family and welcoming the group, we began building. It was an incredible sensation seeing them at work...

These teenagers, from much wealthier backgrounds than our own were very enthusiastic and keen to do whatever they were told to do! And their only reward would be to see the completed house. Seeing this behavior and their easy relationship with the beneficiary Miranda family which had begun only a few days before, I wondered about our own Argentine backgrounds and values...

I would also like to take this opportunity to invite you all to help us. You don’t need skills to do so, all you need is faith, enthusiasm and dedication. Then we shall reach our goals! Your small effort means a whole lot to a family in need of a home.

Verónica Leone

Responsable for Local Brigades

Luján Affiliate- Habitat for Humanity Argentina

Year 2, Volume 2: SANTA FE AFFILIATE: The Lands Project in Recreo

2008-04-23T09:56:00.001-07:00

The transformation of one community

Last May in the city of Recreo, a province of Sante Fe, the Lands Project began and it has since developed well, giving great satisfaction. It has been transforming the lives of 7 families, offering them not only the possibility of owning their own home and land, but also the possibility of learning what it means to have a real sense of community.

We have been much helped in developing this project by the cooperation the Municipality. Its predisposition to collaborate with the work of Habitat for Humanity. Our preliminary discussions with them, and their advice, helped us very much and we were delighted to be offered very cheap land in a great location! Moreover, the Municipality provided us with “Housing managers”, from the social plan, as well as night watchmen, tools and equipment, teams of volunteers and structures to enable us to teach and train the beneficiary families.

We are very encouraged when new volunteers join us each day to help develop this project. This also re-enforces the efforts of Recreo’s inhabitants to develop their community. Within the context of tasks corresponding to the periods of pre-construction and construction, we were pleased to see different sectors of the community participating. Volunteers from a local church entertained the children with new activities; a 10-year old girl also helped by teaching other children how to make handicrafts that will later on be donated to the local subsidiary of HPHA in order to help raise funds.

The fruit of the community engagement and the reciprocal helping work done by HPHA is expressed by the testimony of Ana Müller (a beneficiary): “Before, if something bad happened to one of my neighbors I would – to be honest –not be interested, but after participating in the tasks that Habitat for Humanity Argentina gave me for beneficiary families, where we had the opportunity to get to know the other beneficiary families, we understood that we could transform our lives by working together in community, I felt that if today something happened to a child of another family, it would hurt me a lot. Moreover, I am more aware that the problems of other families’ teenagers may also be those of my children in the future and I can learn from their experience and share prevention ideas for the well-being of all.”

We are convinced that the effects that our project had on the Recreo’s locality will bring us the real possibility for collaboration in the construction of not only homes but also of a community that brings back the hope for living in worthy conditions.

Please join us in this challenge to develop Recreo!

Erika Amsler

Social Worker

Santa Fe Afiliate – Habitat for Humanity Argentina

Year 2, Volume 2: National Office: TESTIMONY OF ONE VOLUNTEER: María Viegas

2008-04-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

More than a year ago, I saw in a weekly architecture and building magazine an advertisement from Habitat for Humanity, that touch a personal fibre. The advertisement explained what it was doing in Argentina and encouraged anyone who wanted to contribute to its work to join.

It had been a few years since the “whirlpool” of daily life had caught me: family, work, survival, etc. were some of the excuses I used not to consider getting involvemed! However, this article opened the door to a new reality. My children were already grown-up, my work set on the right road, and I realized it was time for me to return everything that LIFE had generously given me.

This was an opportunity! My skills and experience could be utilized in helping those who needed a hand... a roof… a smile... or just some encouragement

I called to discuss the idea and was invited to attend a workshop to learn what it means to be a volunteer and how Habitat and Save the Children work!

It was a day full of new meanings for me and with all my heart I took it upon myself to make my contribution to the organization.

At first, it was somewhat hard to find my place. I passed through different stages, meetings and joined in celebrations to inaugurate the first completed homes!

Everything was new and exciting for me, but I felt more like a visitor than a real helper. Months went by and my desire to be more effective was growing and I learned to appreciate the value of technical assistance and began to feel that my contribution was indeed useful and valued. A group of professionals began to meet to contribute, we have found our place and started to see the results! Our work meetings became more worthwhile and we could help the Affiliates as they needed our help. We organized exchange workshops with them and I began to gain more confidence.

I was also encouraged to be a “House Leader” which meant going with volunteers to the construction site in Luján, explaining Habitat’s methodology to them, and coordinating their days work.

This is what I liked the most because it meant being with the people, with the beneficiaries, getting to know and understand them, their needs, their sorrows and joys, their surprise and their grateful incredulity!!

After days on the work site, the soul relaxes in a worn out body, and the word HOME sounds like glory!! Thank you Habitat for giving me the opportunity to share, learn, give and receive!

María Viegas

Volunteer-Technical Assistance Team

National Office- Habitat for Humanity Argentina

Year 2, Volume 2: Editorial

2008-04-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

Since biblical times, God has blessed his people by giving them lands where they can work and live, “a land that flows with milk and honey”.

Argentines live in a spacious, fruitful and rich land, enjoying the diversity given by the glaciers in the South, the red lands in the North, the fruitful pampas in the centre: from the Rio de la Plata at sea level, to the grandeur of the Andes mountains. What more could we ask for?

But we need so much! Organizations such as ours, working to provide suitable housing for every needy Argentine family, are finding it very difficult to purchase land legally. When we launch a new project and seek to select families who will benefit from our programs, we discover anew that those who today live in unacceptable conditions do not possess land that can be mortgaged in order to back the loan which our organization gives them when we help them build a new home.

We therefore launched a new initiative entitled “Lands: Obstacles or Opportunities?”

We try to economize by building four houses on one plot but the efforts to reduce the cost are far less than the problems we have in acquiring land legally! Much of the land in the poorer, rural areas was bought and sold without any legal contracts or title deeds. As a result it is much more difficult today to acquire the land legally. For example, the municipality of Lujan put an ad in the paper asking for legalized land to enable it to carry out its social housing programme!

We thank God, however, that we have been able to overcome these obstacles in obtaining land in Santa Fe Province in Recreo and Cañada de Gómez; and in the Open Door area in the province of Buenos Aires. Today we are pleased to be able to offer the opportunity to build their own house to families who had never dreamed of joining a program of housing such as the one we offer in Habitat for Humanity! We know, however, that we must continue to strive, together with other housing organizations to seek the co-operation of the Government in simplifying procedures for buying and legalizing land in the poorer areas.

Ana Cutts

National Director

Habitat for Humanity Argentina

Year 2, Volume 1: THE LANDS PROJECT

2008-04-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

Encouraged by the support we have already received for the “Lands Project,” Habitat for Humanity Argentina (HFHA) is hoping to attract more help and resources to make it possible to reach more families in need and build more houses. When each house is completed we plan to make the dedication and celebration into a much bigger event in which people and institutions that support this project can participate fully and during which we can express our thanks and gratitude for their help.

What is the “Lands Project”? When HFHA did the first family selection in Luján and Santa Fe, 92% of those interviewed fulfilled all the requirements needed to be a beneficiary of HFHA, except that they did not own a plot of land, or have title deeds.

The “Lands Project” is a response to this problem: giving the family home owners access to the land as well as to the house through Habitat for Humanity Argentina. The houses will be built on the same plot of land, at least 4 at the same time, so that many building costs will be reduced. The total cost of the house with land will not, therefore, be more than that of a house without land. The monthly payments for the family home owners will remain between $100 (Aprox.35 U$S) and $ 140 (Aprox. 48 U$S).

What is a House Dedication? This is the time when the building is completed and the house formerly handed over to the new owners. Habitat for Humanity works to provide a significant change in the living conditions of benefitting families. These families promise to repay the loan from HPHA. The dedication is a celebration of the efforts of the family, their helpers and supporters, volunteer work and financial support, all of which has made it possible for us to provide this “love in action.”

Each celebration is different, with ribbons, balloons, speeches, musical events, but always with great emotion because every family dreams of having their own house, a physical structure which they can call their home. It is an event that marks a new stage in the life of each family member.

HPHA co-operates with and works with, communities, private and public sectors, the general public, as well as with each individual family, and joins with all those who work with them to celebrate the handing over of each new house.

Duration: May 2^nd to July 30^th 2005

Why join? The Land Project is completed. We have acquired two properties consisting of ten lots each. In the next few weeks we shall begin to build between five and seven houses in Recreo, Santa Fe Province, and in Lujan, Province of Buenos Aires. At the same time we are working to obtain more support and more resources so that we can also build on the acquired ten lots in each place.. HPHA has already received donations from Habitat for Humanity International. Already there are people, also, who have confidence in the project, and have promised to help us fulfill our dreams.

Among those are Maersk Enterprises, who have promised to donate two houses, and generous gifts too from Mr Donald Flynn and the HB Fuller corporation.

If you are interested and able to support us, please contact us at :

Connie Ledesma,

cledesma@hpha.org.ar

54 11 4793-4384

Year 2, Volume 1: AFFILIATE LUJÁN: "Housing Enlargement and Improovement" Project

2008-04-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

A different way to help more families at present living in inadequate conditions

Through daily contact with the families we begin to understand their housing needs. Many families already have a roof.... of some sort. But many houses are precarious, without basic services, without water, without a bathroom and often overcrowded. By offering small improvements or enlargements we can offer them a better quality of life.

A joint project by the NGO “De la Nada” and Habitat for Humanity Argentina’s Luján Affiliate is working to provide these small, yet essential, improvements. De la Nada is an organization that works with very low income families offering them small loans to help them begin their own income generation projects. Many of De la Nada's beneficiaries live in inadequate conditions. Habitat for Humanity, on the other hand, has the volunteers and experience to provide advice and coordination for loans to complete small improvements (such as a floor, or a roof, or a toilet).

This project offers loans to the families of 1500 pesos (approximately 500 dollars), which they must repay in monthly installments over three years.

So far this joint project has served 5 families in 2 months and both organizations are discussing a continuation project to reach more families.

Mariana Ballesteros
Local Coordinator
Luján Affilliate

Year 2, Volume 1: CORPORATE WORK TEAMS: Cisco Systems.

2008-04-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

Teams of volunteers continue to come to work with us and we are always grateful for their help. From November 11^th to December 13th seven employees from Cisco Systems came to help us build with Paola and her family. This team came from the same company which sent volunteers to help build the house at Lujan for the Achiopoli’s home.

One said,

“It was an opportunity for me to do something completely different! I enjoyed learning how to construct walls most of all and I learnt that such work is not easy. It also gave me much inner strength to get to know Paola and her father and it was a privilege to be part of their lives for a short while. I really had a great time!

And another wrote,

“For me it was an interesting experience. I felt very comfortable and the organization was very good. I valued this time and the opportunity to reflect and offer help where it is most needed. .I believe that this type of experience enables one to understand how others live and to value those things which we tend to take for granted. When helping others, one also helps oneself!”

And yet another wrote:

“The experience made me feel wonderful! It was great to be able to help someone, who had never expected to have a home of their own. It was also great from the group’s point of view, both in collaboration and in time for solitude, because this allowed me to share something with people with whom I normally do not interact on a daily basis.

In Habitat for Humanity we not only look to change the lives of families living in inadequate housing, but also to serve as a bridge to link people together, helping them all to put their love and faith into action. Working together helps us all to enrich our lives.

We are grateful to Cisco Systems, especially to Rodrigo Turrado, and the members of the work teams. At no time did anyone lose their enthusiasm and dedication to the work until the task was completed.

We look forward to continued co-operation in our mission!

On behalf of Habitat for Humanity Argentina: Thank You CISCO SYSTEMS !!!!!!

Carolina Mansur
Resource Development
National Office

Year 2, Volume 1: NATIONAL OFFICE: Becky Freemantle, volunteer, writes: " MY VISIT TO SANTA FE"

2008-04-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

I have been volunteering for Habitat for Humanity Argentina now for 4 weeks in the Head office in Acassuso, Buenos Aires. But it was only yesterday that I had my first trip to their affiliate in Santa Fe. Santa Fe is situated on the eastern planes of Argentina and suffered terribly in 2003 when 1/3 of the town was submersed under up to 4 metres of water.

Coming from a richer country it is easy to say that you can empathise with people that live in poverty, but it is when you are confronted by it, that is when you really notice the hardship.

I went to speak to the families that Habitat is currently helping. They talked openly to me and showed me round their homes. Diego Carlos Velásquez and his family share a house with his whole family, 24 people, 3 of whom are pregnant. They all share 1 single bathroom and a tiny kitchen. Carlos, his wife and 4 children all live in the same room. He only receives 400 pesos (₤73 or $138 USD) salary a month, to support and feed his family.

I felt awkward asking them about the way that they live and the poverty that they have to face everyday. How do you ask such questions when you know that in comparison you own more than they would ever dream of having!

Carlos and his family is just one of 10 families that HFH Argentina is hoping to help in its next construction project. The project focuses on families that don’t own the land that they are living on. HFH Argentina would not only be constructing their houses but buying the land for them, so that given time they can then pay back the money that they owe.

When I went back to the HFH Argentina office in Santa Fe after a morning of visiting just some of the families that Habitat are looking to help, they showed me their new designs and ideas to reduce the cost of construction. I got caught up in the enthusiasm that the staff there have for their work. It made me feel that with dedication and enthusiasm practically anything is possible. Now all I hope is that I can have the same impact here in Buenos Aires in the next couple of months that I am here.

Rebecca Freemantle
Volunteer
National Office - Habitat For Humanity Argentina

Year 2, Volume 1: Editorial

2008-04-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

" If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother, but you shall freely open your hand to him,and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks" ( Deut 15: 7-8).

When God created mankind, He set a criterion of equality, justice and equity. When the selfishness of man led to the accumulation of wealth for himself without regard for his neighbor, those ideals vanished. In order to help man restore that same model of civilization, God establishes a series of principles that, if faithfully carried out, will succeed in compensating for the social imbalances.

Unfortunately, the voice of God continues to fall on deaf ears, even those of the most faithful, and statistics continue to reflect the harsh reality of a population which is ever more impoverished and who are unable to diminish the harsh consequences. “According to official data, the city of Buenos Aires has a deficit of 100,000 houses and there are 400,000 people in emergency dwellings. The problem is visible in different forms: slums, squatter houses, derelict buildings and cheap hotels in abominable conditions” (Clarín 03/18/04).

On 09/04/04 we read in the local Santa Fe paper that, “Argentina’s housing deficit this year reached 2 million; currently this imbalance is increasing by 120,000 per year.” But it is important to remember that if we act responsibly, we can modify this state of affairs, and at least begin marking the path for change.

In Habitat for Humanity Argentina, we know that the sum of all our efforts, though they may seem small in the face of so much need, is of vital importance to those who now live in simple, decent houses... and a light of hope for those who wait patiently while we strive to reach them.

José Colacilli
President
Habitat For HumanityArgentina

Year 1, Volume 5: Looking ahead...

2008-04-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

Santa Fe:

Another House Dedication ! As we continue to work on the Cachiarelli Family's house, at the beginning of January we will be dedicating the home of the Sarmiento Family (the 5th house of the special project "Rebuilding Santa Fe one house at a time" ).

If you wish to learn more, please write to santafe@hpha.org.ar

Our projects in the next 10 months:

House with Land Project: After having had our first experiences we have looked for alternatives that will enable us to take care of families that don't own land (until now a requirement for being an HFH Argentina beneficiary). Looking to reduce the cost of building as well as create a sense of community, we aim to work with groups of families. Hopefully, this will allow us to keep a monthly payment close to the current one but that - for that same amount- will include the cost of the land. Donations of land have been promised both in Luján and Santa Fe. We expect to make those donations effective to begin with this project that is also financially supported by Habitat for Humanity International.

All those that want to add efforts or learn more about the project, please contact oficinanacional@hpha.org.ar

Work & Build Project: Always seeking ways to reach the most needy families, we are starting an innovative project that will address the income generation problem.

All those that want to add efforts or learn more about the project, please contact oficinanacional@hpha.org.ar

Global Village: Thanks to the commitment of new volunteers, we are promoting a programme to encourage brigades and international volunteers. For more information about this part of our work, write to voluntario@hpha.org.ar

Year 1, Volume 5: Santa Fe

2008-04-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

ALEJANDRA PEREYRA, PRESIDENT OF THE AFFILIATE SANTA FE, WRITES...

The birth of Habitat for Humanity in Santa Fe, like any birth, did not come without moments of pain.

The flooding of the Salado River meant many days of anxiety, loss and despair to the people. Nevertheless, as in every difficult situation, some light also appeared amidst so much darkness and desperation; a boat to get to the flooded neighbourhoods; food and blankets for those who were stranded on rooftops; clowns and songs to entertain the children at the evacuation centre, and a group of people determined to work for those who need a decent place in which to live…

So that is how Habitat for Humanity came to work in Santa Fe, and not only has it arrived in the City but it has come to stay…and today we see the fruit of everything that has been done along this road that we now walk together. 5 families, houses that grow, projects being implemented, the strong will of several people directed at the same mission, a mission, principles, commitment…

Our strength is intact, enthusiasm grows, we continue with our high expectations, the work is rewarding and Habitat is already a part of our lives which is one more reason to be thankful to God for his allowing us to be useful instruments in doing his will and helping us to put our faith into action

Alejandra Baglione de Pereyra

President of the Local Committee

Santa Fe Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Argentina

ON NOVEMBER 20^th WE DEDICATED THE SECOND NEW HOME IN SANTA FE. This was for the Zaballos family:

Some of the people who came were surprised to discover the existence of our organisation. They had never heard of Habitat! Others were amazed to see the final result of all their efforts! And others, who had helped with the actual construction of the house, showed their delight at the competion of the house

Everyone who spoke reflected the deep joy of knowing that Ezequiel, Paula, Pablo, and Mateo had a home at last. Speaking on behalf of his family, and surrounded by them all, Ezequiel told of their struggles and their faith. He expressed his thanks to God, and thanked Habitat, his family and the volunteers. He said he was especially grateful to his father for his great help in the construction of the house. Jorge Diaz, the local coordinator, added that Don Zeballos was a faithful and much valued volunteer, although he had asked for permission to miss just one day!

The work and success of Habitat Santa Fe shows that. “Habitat has come to stay” said the local president Alejandra Pereyra, while the National Director, Ana Cutts, invited the community to give support and encouragement to the mission.

By the end of 2004, after less than one year’s construction work, the families are making their payments to the revolving fund of HPHA Santa Fe and we will be completing the third stage of the next new house. The Homes of the Uviedo and the Reynoldy families have also been dedicated, in December 2004.

If you would like to join us in “Rebuilding Santa Fe, one house at a time” please contact:

Jorge Díaz, Local Coordinator - Domingo Silva 3468, Ciudad de Santa Fe. Tel: 54 (0342) 455 9200 - santafe@hpha.org.ar

Year 1, Volume 5: Lujan and Open Door

2008-04-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

The following has been contributed by Carlos A. Miranda

a member of the Silva-Miranda Family of Luján who worked

as a volunteer on this project.

At 7.30 a.m. on October 29^th we arrived at the site selected by the Luján Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Argentina, and chosen for the house of the Archiópoli family, It was just a grassy plot of land! Victor, the builder, began by setting the perimeters for what was to be the foundations of the house, according to the blueprints. Then, a team of volunteers from the Buenos Aires Marriott Hotel arrived and, when Victor had finished delineating the foundations, they marked it out so that the ditch would be dug straight and square. The same volunteers started digging the ditches. Another group offered to help me dig the hole for the septic tank. The future home owner and her father, with more volunteers, placed the fencing around the plot of land.

At midday, we had lunch and then continued the work. The remains of our lunch were distributed among the local children who were watching what was going on!

Soon after, the foundations were finished and the hole was 2m depth. Although there was some intermittent rain we were not deterred. The day finished approximately at 3 pm.

When I was at the building site, I thought that Paola and her family must have been feeling the same joy that I had felt when we began to build our home.

Carlos A. Miranda

Volunteer belonging to the Silva Miranda Family (First Homeowning family of the Luján Affiliate of HFHA)

WHAT IS OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FAMILIES AFTER THEY HAVE THEIR NEW HOUSE?

Our work is not limited to helping families only by giving them an economic and decent house, because we are interested also in staying in touch with them and helping in the community..

Therefore, we work jointly with other organizations working in Luján - because we cannot do it alone! With one of our partners we organized a workshop on organic vegetable gardens and we handed out seeds.

After that workshop Norma’s family created a good vegetable garden at the back of their “Habitat” house. This helps them to reduce expenses and to balance their diet.

The Silva Miranda’s have also started with their “seedling boxes!” So we prove that a decent home offers, among other things, the energy and the will to progress.

Laura, mother of the Silva Miranda family, is a teacher and wants to continue studying at the University. She is also, with the help of her mother and sister, creating a small business with candles.

Veronica, who is 17 years old, is part of the Norma Niz household, and she is hoping to continue studying at college. She has applied for a scholarship at the Universidad Nacional de Luján.

Norma Niz works non-stop in order to be able to make the monthly repayment for her house; she sells eggs and beauty products, as well as doing housework for other people and working in a school.

Both families are very committed to help in the activities of the affiliate; they help build, and make invaluable contributions at special projects board meetings. We are very happy with this.

We believe that this is just the beginning. There are very few families we have been able to help so far …. but we intend to continue in the way we are have begun and have faith and hope that we shall be enabled to do so!

“Working with love is building a house with stones from the quarry of the heart, as if a beloved person was going to live inhabit it”

Celina Malvazo

National Educator

If you would like to join us in rebuilding Lujan, one family at a time, please contact:

Mariana Ballesteros, Local Coordinator - Tel.: +54 (02323) 430160 Address: 9 de Julio 502 , CP 6700 - Luján, Prov. de BS AS – Argentina - lujan@hpha.org.ar

Year 1, Volume 3: Annual Assembly of Habitat for Humanity Argentina

2008-04-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Annual Assembly of Habitat for Humanity Argentina took place on Saturday October 30^th 2004

I had the opportunity, for the first time, to participate as a member, and to appreciate the new challeneges in front of us.

It has given me great satisfaction to be part of a group of people who share a project and deep feelings of solidarity, faith and hope in this world that is often very complex and individualist.

It was a day of intense and hard work, of sharing experiences, evaluating and discussing joint actions for the future. And all this showed me how people with similar interests and with energy devoted to projects to help people in need, those who are waiting to be helped, can see a way to do this with exciting results.

It is very difficult to describe "volunteer work"... it has to be lived to be appreciated, and it is unique. However, if we look around, we can see more and more people getting involved, in different ways but with similar aims, each one doing what he can in his own way.

Getting involved means a big commitment, and commitment is, from my point of view, the key word that we should bear in mind.

I believe that we should start to copy the strategies of the ants and of the spiders! Among the latter we see perseverance and coordinated work prevail; among the former we see their ability to knit incredible nets of protection and survival.

Some days ago, I heard words that we should certainly keep in mind all throughout our lives: “If it is not me, who? If it is not now, when?”

Maria Cecilia Mariluz

Volunteer of the national sub committee of

Education and Technical Support