Habitat for Humanity to assist those affected by Nepal Earthquake

ATLANTA (April 26, 2015) – Habitat for Humanity will assist families affected by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, which struck Nepal on Saturday, resulting in widespread damage. The Nepali government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas. As of April 26, Nepali authorities have reported more than 2,400 people dead and many are injured. Those numbers are expected to grow as the impact of the earthquake becomes better known. Habitat disaster response teams are assessing the situation and coordinating response operations with local government agencies and disaster relief partners. Habitat will assemble and distribute emergency shelter kits to affected families, with an initial target of 20,000 kits that will include tarpaulins and other materials for temporary shelter and protection from the elements. Habitat’s ability to respond effectively to this disaster will require support from donors, corporate partners and other community organizations. Donations can be made at https://habitat.org/donate/nepal Based on available funding, the longer-term response will follow Habitat’s model of assisting affected communities with housing solutions ranging from emergency shelter interventions to permanent home reconstruction. “As we continue to assess the impact of the earthquake, we know there will be significant need to help families rebuild their homes and their lives in the days and months ahead,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “We’re grateful to our supporters and partners who can join us in our efforts to assist our friends in Nepal. The more funds we raise, the more families we can help.” Habitat’s Disaster Response team provides technical expertise in home and community rebuilding and to date has helped more than 200,000 disaster-affected families around the world. Habitat for Humanity has worked in Nepal for 18 years and has helped tens of thousands of families in need of decent housing. This news release was originally posted on April 25 and updated on April 26, 2015. About Habitat for Humanity International Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a path out of poverty, since 1976 Habitat has helped more than 5 million people through home construction, rehabilitation and repairs and by increasing access to improved shelter through products and services. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and offers a variety of housing support services that enable families with limited means to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org.