AMERICUS, Ga., May 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Habitat for Humanity International
in early June will launch a new PSA campaign to raise awareness about
continuing needs in the tsunami-affected areas throughout Asia. Narrated by
former President Jimmy Carter, the spots will be distributed to 550 television
stations, up to 2,000 radio stations and 50 additional Spanish or bilingual
television stations will receive a Spanish language version.
"The public needs to be aware that, although we may not hear about the
loss and destruction in the news any more, the families without homes who are
still living in crowded camps have not disappeared," said Chris Clarke,
Habitat's senior vice president of communications. "We are extremely thankful
that we have people like President Carter in our corner to help spread the
important message that there is still a desperate need for help in tsunami-
affected areas and Habitat's commitment is, as always, long-term."
With the unremitting support of President Carter, donors and other
partners, Habitat will expand its work in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and
Thailand. Within three months of the disaster, donations to Habitat's tsunami
recovery had reached US$40 million and plans are in place to assist up to
35,000 families to achieve simple, decent shelter over the next two years.
"As an organization, Habitat for Humanity is focused on making an ongoing
effort," said Steve Weir, vice president for Habitat's Asia-Pacific area.
"Rebuilding entire communities will take much longer than the few seconds it
took the tsunami to sweep them away. We have been working tirelessly in Asia
turning despair into houses and hope, and we will continue to do so until we
reach our goal."
As many as five million people are displaced and in need of basic services
as a result of the earthquake-tsunami catastrophe that struck Dec. 26, 2004.
Habitat Technical Centers have been established throughout Asia to create jobs
and teach new skills. The training provided at these centers will help more
people rebuild their own houses, communities and lives.
This and other Public Service Announcements can be viewed on-line at the
following link: http://www.habitat.org/videogallery/psa.aspx
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, Ga., is an
ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. By the
end of 2005, Habitat will have built its 200,000th house and more than one
million people will be living in Habitat homes they helped build and are
buying through no-profit mortgages. http://www.habitat.org
SOURCE Habitat for Humanity
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Related links:
http://www.habitat.org
CONTACT:
Chris Clarke, +1-229-924-6935, Ext. 2732, or
cclarke@habitat.org, or Joedy Isert, +1-229-924-6935, Ext. 2330,
or jisert@habitat.org, both of Habitat for Humanity
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