Habitat Japan is currently working on the repairs of several welfare facilities in the Tokyo metropolitan area. One of the facilities is a home for mothers and children in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Ms. Koike, a staff member of the shelter, had this to say about the home and Habitat’s repair support.

“When you hear the words home for mothers and children, what kind of place do you picture?” Mothers who see it for the first time say, ‘I thought it would be a dark and closed place, but it actually has a free atmosphere, so I can live here with peace of mind.’ The reason why people come here is because they are unable to care for their children without help. This can be due to reasons such as domestic violence, chronic illness, financial hardships, or their child's truancy. After consulting with administrative offices or other welfare agencies, the mothers are referred to our facility. Once here, the staff listens to the mothers' concerns and provides them with various kinds of support, including advising them on how to nurture their children, cook, and find a job or a new place to live, as well as accompanying them to see a doctor and helping them with the procedures for a divorce. We evaluate their situation and provide step-by-step goals for achieving self-reliance upon leaving the facility. 

  • Before

  • After

  • The room repaired

  • Ms. Koike, a staff member of the shelter

The family who lived in the room that Habitat repaired had been with the facility for almost 10 years, longer than any other family that I have worked with. The mother tried her best to raise her children, but she had a long history of mental illness and could not really care for them. As a result, the staff had to do most of the parenting. She attempted to do the cooking and cleaning, but it was difficult for her. For example, when she cooked, she burned the stove. During her 10-year stay, the room suffered much damage. Normally, we ask families to repair their rooms at their own expense. However, in this case, it was financially difficult for the family to pay for them, and it was too much for the facility to bear, so we wondered how we would raise the funds needed.

During that time, we were introduced to Habitat, and soon after their visit at the end of March, they decided to provide the repairs. From the meeting with the contractor to the actual construction, they were incredibly quick to respond. We did not know when we would receive a request to move in, so the sooner they were completed, the sooner we could welcome a new family. When the family decided to move out at the end of May, Habitat immediately began the repairs and completed them by June. Soon after, a prospective family came to see the room. When the mother saw how clean it was, she wanted to move in right away. They joined us on a path to a new life. I am just so grateful for that.

The room repairs were generously funded by Bloomberg L.P. With their continued assistance, Habitat will also repair the wallpaper in the childcare facility, an important place for the children to spend time after school, especially during the pandemic. Additionally, Bloomberg volunteers conducted a virtual art class on August 21 for the residents.

The facility provides a safe and decent home for vulnerable families, giving them the foundation from which to build strength, stability, and self-reliance. Through the repairs, Habitat aims to build a bridge to a better future for mothers and children in need of support.