Paul Erbes

We will be building a home for a family in a small village about two hours outside of Hanoi.  Several of our team members, including our leader, participated in a similar build in November of 2014.  The warmth of the people there and efficiency of the local Habitat organization there has drwan us to return. 

Housing Need

While poverty has fallen in Vietnam in recent years, many ethnic minorities and those living in rural areas remain poor. Urban poverty is also a challenge, as towns and cities swell with the influx of people drawn by economic opportunities.

Many homes in Vietnam were built informally and without adequate supporting infrastructure. About a quarter of the country’s housing stock is substandard or temporary.

Habitat for Humanity Vietnam, established in 2001, specializes in the implementation of sustainable, community-based shelter and water and sanitation solutions. It has experience in rehabilitating and repairing properties damaged by the severe weather that frequently strikes the country’s long coastline. Habitat also works with microfinance networks so families can save and access credit for home improvements, a speedy way to help thousands of families improve their sanitation and housing.

Thrivent and Habitat

From the first nail to the last, building a home with Habitat for Humanity International is a profound experience for all involved. It’s not just sticks and blocks. It is tears and smiles, borne of hard work and faith. And it’s the knowledge that you’ve helped change lives.

About Thrivent Builds Worldwide

The Thrivent Builds program combines the financial, volunteer and advocacy resources of Thrivent Financial together with the affordable housing leadership of Habitat for Humanity International.  Thrivent Builds Worldwide teams are led by members of Thrivent Financial and build in one of the Thrivent Builds community destinations or any other location where Habitat’s Global Village program sends teams. To learn more, please visit www.thriventbuilds.com.

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.