Help Rebuild Samoa

Just a month ago, life changed forever as 1000’s of people were affected by the Tsunami that hit Samoa, Tonga and American Samoa. In Samoa over 150 people were killed, including 7 Kiwis. Over 400 families lost their homes and businesses Help and support was quick to arrive from the International Community, none more so than NZ who responded generously. Habitat for Humanity New Zealand (HFHNZ) responded immediately by sending a team to Samoa to assess the situation and to position itself as the primary NGO working in partnership with the Samoan government and other NGOs in the repair and construction of emergency and long term shelter.

HFHNZs goal was to work with the Samoan Government, using its disaster response expertise in providing shelter especially after the 2004 South Asia Tsunami.

HFHNZ has now been asked to manage the construction of 400 traditional homes, called fale, in Samoa. HFHNZ has sent an initial team of 10 builders, plumbers and electricians to begin renovations of a church hall in Lepa, on the southeast coast of Upolu, for accommodating up to 50 Kiwi volunteers at one time. The team will also set up a HFHNZ Resource Centre at Lepa, where core house kitsets containing all the materials needed to build a traditional house will be mass-produced and sent to final sites for quick building.

The Samoan Government is providing approximately 90% of the cost of a fale. HFHNZ and its partners are seeking to raise the balance-$1250 per fale to see 400 fales completed in the next 6-8 months. Would your church or group please consider sponsoring this 10% portion of a fale to see this project completed in Samoa to the glory of God.

HFHNZ is blessed to have Pastors Lui Ponifasio, Tavale Matai’a and others supporting this initiative through the Rebuild Samoa campaign Monies given through Rebuild Samoa or HFHNZ will be used to fund the 10% portion of the 400 fales to be built.

As the Resource Centre takes shape in Lepa we are looking for people to go to Samoa for approx two week periods and help in this work. If your church could provide a team, go to our website www.habitat.org.nz for more information. Habitat’s aim is to be a servant ministry to the Samoan Government, to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the people of Samoa; your financial contribution and Christian volunteer support would be a blessing to see these 400 fales rebuilt.

Tavale Matai’a JP

Talofa to All Firstly, I want to say ‘Faafetai tele’ – thank you so much, for the wonderful expression of love and support for our tsunami-devastated islands – the two Samoas and Tonga. You’ve responded so quickly with such incredible generosity! In phase two, we are now faced with the daunting task of rebuilding not only the lives and the dignity of the affected villagers, but also to help rebuild their homes. After several meetings with the executives of Habitat for Humanity, NZ, (H4H), together with other church leaders, I believe that H4H has the expertise and the ability to help build many houses for our people. This is what H4H does best. But H4H need our help. We need to resource them with finance, building materials and volunteers so that they can quickly build many houses for our hurting people. Your partnership with us for the sake of our Pacific Island brothers and sisters is much appreciated. ‘Faafetai tele’. May the Lord bless you abundantly!

Peter North - CEO

Habitat for Humanity NZ is responding to the recent Tsunasmi in Samoa by working with the Samoan Government in the repair and construction of long term shelter needs. Because of Habitats experience in the 2004 Asian Tsunami and other disasters they are well placed to respond. Habitat seeks to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we partner with the Samoan community to rebuild in this time of need. Would you partner with us

Bruce Patrick
Chairman National Board, Visionnetwork

“Rebuild Samoa” was born in the compassion of the Holy Spirit who touched our hearts through the devastation experienced by our Samoan brothers and sisters in Christ. Many New Zealand Christians and churches gave immediate practical aid. Rebuild Samoa addresses the long-term need: to reconstruct homes for the homeless. Individuals and churches who partner with the globally respected Christian agency Habitat for Humanity will make a difference. You can sponsor a house for a family and even send a team to build it. What a wonderful opportunity to live out the gospel!