Merrimack Valley Habitat Sends Group to Romania for Big Build

Lawrence, MA – October 4, 2019, a group of 12 Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity (MVHFH) supporters head to Vaideeni, Vâlcea County in Romania for Big Build 2019. The group, consisting of donors and volunteers, is joined by Merrimack Valley Habitat Building Director, Emerson Dahmen; MVHFH Board President, Richard Sumberg from the Financial Advisors in Andover; and MVHFH Board Secretary, Bruce Letwin. In Romania they will be part of an approximate 240 member group of Habitat volunteers from around the world, who are all coming together to build multiple homes in 5 days. The event lasting from October 7 to October 11, kicks off with World Housing Day on Monday the 7th. Working together, participants will build 10 homes for 10 low-income families in record time.

As described by Habitat for Humanity Romania, Big Build is an accelerated building and volunteering event, organized by Habitat for Humanity Romania each year. Volunteers will work alongside future Habitat families, who will be living in the 10 homes once completed.

According to National Director for Habitat Romania, Roberto Pătrășcoiu, “A house is like the soil for a plant. It is the place where a family grows roots, the safe foundation where children can feel safe, and where their dreams can blossom.” The need for decent housing is a global issue that affects 1.6 billion people worldwide, where so many of our friends, family and neighbors are forced to live in overpriced or inadequate conditions. Poor housing is a problem faced by half the population of Romania.

By working together, we can fight for a future where every deserving family has access to decent, safe and affordable housing. Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity is proud to be involved in another Big Build, which we aim to attend every two years. As a global community, by giving selflessly, we can work together to provide affordable housing in Romania and right here at home in the Merrimack Valley.

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About Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity

Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit builder of affordable homes founded in 1985 by concerned local citizens who came together as volunteers. We are the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, the largest nonprofit home-builder in the world with a network of over 2,100 branches. We build simple, affordable, comfortable homes in partnership with the families who need them. We have delivered on our mission for 100 families to date. To help fund our work, we opened our ReStore in Lawrence, MA, where we sell donated appliances, furniture, building materials, and home furnishings at greatly reduced prices. To donate, volunteer, or learn more, please visit www.merrimackvalleyhabitat.org.

About Habitat for Humanity Romania

Habitat for Humanity Romania (HFHR) builds, repairs and renovates houses, offers consultancy, supports and leads programs responding to those affected by natural disasters and preventing other damages to them and others. Our experience and know-how in finding solutions make us leaders in the sector of housing.

We work in partnerships with the beneficiaries, volunteers, public or private sector partners, civilians and government to make a change, to build up a strong and stable community. In 1996, Romania has become the 50th Habitat of Humanity country in the world. HFHR has been found to supply the needs of a decent living for the Romanian population, now having over 91.000 recipients.

More details about Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity or for more information about Big Build 2019, please contact Jacques Du Preez, Merrimack Valley Habitat Director of Marketing at jacques@merrimackvalleyhabitat.org or 978.681.8858 ext. 20