GK builds more than 1,500 homes for Yolanda survivors

MANILA, Philippines – More than 8 months ago, Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) shook the Philippines, causing widespread destruction and immeasurable suffering. But it also allowed the world to witness the heroism and resiliency of the Filipino and the overwhelming generosity and solidarity of the global community in our moment of greatest need.

As Gawad Kalinga (GK) shares its reconstruction work for Yolanda, we would also like to honor many other groups and individuals whose work is no less heroic like our volunteers and workers trying to build meaningful impact in the lives of the survivors. 

It is with this relentless push from volunteers, partners and survivors to inspire greatness that we humbly share with you the gains of GK’s reconstruction campaign:

We have raised funds for the reconstruction and repair work of 3,014 houses, almost double the amount we raised as reported last April 2014. Around 1200 houses are currently ongoing construction in 8 provinces across the Visayas, over 700 units of which are in the hard-hit areas of Leyte. Some families have moved into their new homes, and the rest of the funded homes are scheduled to start construction by mid-August.

Roof repairs have been conducted in 339 houses, and because of the bayanihan spirit in the various communities, we have been able to repair more at less cost. Concentrated in Leyte, Cebu, Iloilo and Negros Occidental, these are various homes (including some previously built GK houses) that have remained upright and continue to be livable as long as roofing is restored. 

Almost 613 GK balangay boats were distributed to fishermen, replacing the “tools of the trade” that were damaged by Yolanda. This move will help them get back on their feet by providing a steady income stream and restoring a sense of normalcy in their lives. 

The widespread presence of volunteers throughout Yolanda areas during the Bayani Challenge from April 9 to June 12, 2014 also helped us rebuild faster, and was a powerful way of bringing concrete hope – showing the victims that they are not forgotten, and that we will not leave them behind. 

But the work is far from over. GK needs YOUR HELP to raise the remaining 3,000 homes (or more!) for this year. Visit www.gk1world.com/typhoon-yolanda for the full operational report, next steps, inspirational stories, updated photos, and more importantly, ways on how you can help.

Together, we can bring concrete hope to more Yolanda survivors and help our fellowmen rebuild their lives. This may seem like a daunting task but with God’s grace and your help, we know it can be done.

Walang iwanan! (No one gets left behind!) 

– Rappler.com