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【JPN Relief-83】 Home Partner Story (5)
Habitat for Humanity Japan's ongoing project in Higashimatsushima, Miyagi Prefecture supports house repairs. Since March 2013, HFH Japan has chosen 45 families as partners for this project. Kenichi Yoshida is one of the home partners. His community, Shintona was attacked by 7-meter-high tsunami, but his house located uphill barely escaped from the direct impact of tsunami.
Although his house sustained no severe damage, it was partially damaged. Kenichi and his family kept living in that house with tsunami sludge remaining under the floors. Kenichi has been unwell probably due to the humidity and contaminated air, caused by the unsanitary underfloor condition.
Kenichi was finally able to repair his house with the financial and consulting support provided by HFH Japan. Old floor boards were stripped, all sludge was removed, the foundation was reinforced with concrete and new floor boards were installed.
Kenichi looked back on those days after the 3.11 disaster and said, "I never thought that tsunami would be coming uphill to reach my house. My family and I rushed onto the mountain top and were watching the tsunami approaching. We were shocked at the sight. Gathering around an open fire with my family, we spent the night in the mountain. 
On the following day, we found that 1.2 meter tsunami washed furniture and other household items away. We had to replace them with new purchases and expended the little money we had. That's why we could not afford repairing our house for a long time. If HFH Japan had not reached out to my family, my family and I would not have been able to repair the house. We are very thankful." Kenichi's greatest joy now is playing with his grandchild in the living room.
HFH Japan finishes 45 house repairs in Higashimatsushima as planned by the end of 2013.
◆Back Number
2013.11.20 Repairs of 'Yume House' (dream house) in Onagawa
2013.11.18 Building a tree house at the ruins of Matsusaki castle
2013.11.11 Repair work of Kawakudari Community Centre Completed
2013.10.21 Installation of solar system completed
2013.10.11 More than 30 houses repaired in Miyagi
2013.09.19 Home Partner Story (4)
2013.09.02 Home Repair Project in the UN report
2013.08.22 Installed Solar Panels at Community Centers
2013.08.15 Solar Project is up on National Geographic
2013.07.18 Home Partner Story (3)
2013.05.31 Installed first panel in solar power project
2013.05.09 YouthBUILD : Japan Team Volunteered for Disaster Relief
2013.04.09 Miyagi : Completion of A Community Center
2013.03.18 Miyagi : House Repairs in Higashimatsushima
2013.03.08 Rebuilding Homes, Communities and Hope
2013.01.31 Iwate : Building Shed for Fishermen (3)
2013.01.08 Iwate : Housing Consultations Continue
