Michelle Emerson fundraising for San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala - Seyfang Team
Michelle Emerson
Keep it going: Share with friends
From Michelle Emerson
I will be going to Guatemala in August. My team will be building 2 homes in less than a week. In order to pay for building materials and basic lodging, I need your help!
Subscribe to follow campaign updates!
About Me
The first time I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, I knew I was hooked. I was one of many women volunteers building a home for a single mother who was taking a huge step forward providing safe housing for her family. The work was tiring and challenging but extremely fulfilling. Since then, I have participated in the Women Build every year, and a couple years ago, I started volunteering as a family advocate. Since then, I have been to Haiti with the Jimmy Carter Work Project, worked on several builds in Dayton (even during freezing temperatures in January), and partnered with another family as an advocate.
One of Habitat’s tag lines is “Habitat is a hand up, not a hand out.” Families that wish to participate in Habitat’s home ownership program must meet minimum criteria, put in hundreds of hours of sweat equity, take several classes, and save for a down payment. The program is a partnership between the families, Habitat, and many volunteers. The families are taught many skills to maintain their homes, manage their finances, and provide for others in need.
I remain as passionate about Habitat's mission as the day I first started volunteering 10+ years ago. My trip to Haiti was life-changing; I have no doubt this trip will be amazing, also.
More Info
One of the most significant challenges to housing in Guatemala is access to land. Many low-income families have no legal proof that they own the land they inhabit. These properties rarely have basic utilities and are often located in vulnerable areas, such as ravines and riverbanks. Even when a family has moderate income or has managed to save a small amount of money, obtaining a loan to purchase land or buy a home is often a challenge.
Global Village is Habitat for Humanity’s international volunteer program. Teams travel to over 40 countries to work alongside communities, build housing solutions, and experience local culture. Our goal is to change the lives of the people we serve, as well as the lives of the volunteers.
To join a team or learn more, visit www.habitat.org/gv.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.
Campaign Wall
Join the Conversation
Sign in with your Facebook account or email.