homes

Building Homes

Background

In 1998, Hurricane Mitch slashed through the rural Nicaraguan communities of Chacraseca and Amatitan, the areas that already received aid from members of OLQM. Not surprisingly, dozens of rickety homes made of sticks and cardboard collapsed under 4 feet of rain in 2 days.

Since then, the 6,000 local residents have fought back, replacing some of the shanties with solid homes made of cinder block and adobe brick. Some of these homes were being built when parishioners visited last March, but much more needs to be done.

Goals

OLQM's Project Nicaragua Committee has a goal:

  • Housing - To build at least 10 new homes.
    They cost about $1,400 each for approximately 400 square feet, including volunteer labor. The blocks are made in Chacraseca at minimal cost on a machine provided by our Northport students. This has provided the much needed building materials and employment opportunities for local residents.
  • Educational
  • Medical
  • Spiritual

How You Can Help

Decent housing is a basic human right, and it is a priority for these impovished families. As our parishioners who have spent time in Amatitan and Chacraseca can attest, we have better tool sheds and doghouses in our area than the homes these families live in.

In the past, OLQM parishioners have generously provided aid for a school breakfast program and for emergency relief after Hurricane Mitch. If you can, please help to build at least 10 new houses this year.

Going the Extra Miles

Think about visiting Amatitan yourself. Several parishioners, including Father Ryan, Sister Eileen, dozens of local students and several volunteers from our parish have been there. They report that the experience is profoundly moving, a rare opportunity to live and work among the poor. The trips have motivated them to become advocates for improving the living conditions.

While limited space is available on our scheduled trips, we encourage you to join us in this critical mission. We each possess unique talents and together we can make a significant difference in the lives of so many. Please contact Sister Eileen at 631-757-6250 for more information about Project Nicaragua and our next trip.

 

Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish
53 Prospect Road
Centerport, NY 11721
Phone: (631) 757-8184
Fax: (631) 757-8181
E-mail: rectory@olqmparish.org

© 2008