Earlier this year, we shared the news about Cyclone Seroja that struck the island of Timor on April 4, 2021. This cyclone inflicted much hardship on the island's communities, including Kupang, the island's major population center. Thanks to our amazing giving community we were able to support our partners TMC Indonesia with much needed relief. Our relief efforts for the people in SoE and the surrounding areas helped over 1,200 families!

Unfortunately, flooding caused significant infrastructure damage, including loss of bridges, roads and entire homes. Beyond initial emergency response, these remote regions have had little rehabilitation support. So, we have decided to support the second phase of assistance, the rehabilitation of these communities through helping families rebuild their homes!

This disaster took everything away from these families. We are going to help them rebuild through Project 36 - Homes of Love. 

So far we have identified 2 villages that need our urgent support for reconstruction and house relocation. Some of the homes have suffered irreparable damages and need to be completely reconstructed. Other families need their homes repaired from damages caused by flood waters and high winds.

For Project 36, Homes of Love we will be working in the following villages: Basmuti and Bena. There are 19 families in these villages that need our help. Every gift will make a difference and a gift of $2700 will build a brand new home for a family! Let’s join together and show the people of Basmuti and Bena that they are loved, not forgotten.

Project Scope

Country:  Timor, Indonesia 

# Served: 19 Families

Need: $30,000

JANUARY UPDATE

It's wet season in Indonesia (until March) which means most days there are torrential rains, making areas prone to landslides and flooding. This has made it extremely challenging to access our project sites located in Basmuti, Bena, Timor. Unfortunately, new construction has been delayed until the weather improves. We'll keep you posted.

The good news is that the rehabilitated houses we worked on are still safe and have not been damaged by the weather conditions!

Take a look at the state of the roads right now.

DECEMBER UPDATE

Sara Nabuasa is a 57-year-old widow from Basmuti whose house was torn down during the cyclone. Sara's husband died in 2013, leaving her as a single mother with three children. To survive, Sara took up the traditional art of handweaving; however, it only brings in $25 a month. The wooden stick house shown in the pictures is a makeshift that Sara and 5 other individuals have lived in since April 2021. Through Project 36 and your support, Sara's family will now have a sturdy and permanent place to call home. 

The photos sent from our fantastic infield partner are just two examples of the 19 families whose lives are forever changed due to your generosity. 

Over the last month, much work has been done in Bena and Basmuti to restore homes. Most of the houses have already had their foundations laid, brick walls installed, and the windows and doors put in place. The construction team will finish installing the roofs this week.

By Christmas time, the families will be living in their new homes gifted by you. That's something to celebrate!