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【JPN Relief-82】 Supporting a Self-Build Project in Iwate
Donate and Volunteer to Help Japan Rebuild!
Habitat for Humanity Japan (HFH Japan) supports a self-builder whose house was destroyed by the 2011 tsunami. Mr Sato, whose name is fictitious to protect his privacy, currently lives in a temporary housing with his mother in Iwate Prefecture. He is from Okirai district where many lives were lost to the tsunami and the earthquake. His house was swept away by the tsunami along with many other buildings.
The use of the temporary housing for the affected population, made available by the government, is time limited. Although its original tenure of two years has now been extended, sooner or later the temporary residents have to find a durable solution to their housing problems. After two and a half years of the disaster, however, many people still have no idea when and how they will be able to leave the temporary dwelling and move to a permanent home. While the local and national governments are trying to figure out the housing problem, none of the available options under the government schemes suited Mr Sato. As he wants to stay in his own community, relocation is not a viable option for him.
Mr Sato has had some health problems and was barely able to make a living for himself and his elderly mother, who is nearly 100 years old. He used to support himself by helping his brother's fishery business, and with the help of his neighbors who supported him and his mother in various ways.
HFH Japan has assisted people in several communities in Iwate prefecture since May 2011, including Okirai. When Mr Sato came to know Habitat for Humanity was building houses in many countries, he asked an HFH Japan staff whether they would help him build one of his own. He explained how important it was for him and his mother to go back to and live in his own community.After reviewing Mr Sato's situation and availability of local resources, HFH Japan decided to assist Mr Sato's initiative to self-build a house on another piece of land that he owns in highland. With the assistance from HFH Japan on necessary paperwork and administrative procedures as well as cooperation of the local specialists, Mr Sato was ready to start building.
Mr. Sato is now in the process of building his own house in his original community with the help of volunteers from all over Japan and his neighbors, who have cared for and supported his family for so long. His eyes are shining again with happiness and joy. Through this project, HFH Japan intends to verify different elements in addressing complex housing issues in Japan.
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