“Haven US is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization which set up in the United States in 2011, after three years in operation in Ireland and Haiti, with the aim of assisting with the expansion of its program of activities and services in Haiti. Haven works solely in Haiti and aims to improve the lives of half a million vulnerable people by providing adequate shelter, water and sanitation solutions. Haven, in conjunction with the government of Haiti also aims to create jobs and training opportunities in the local communities.”

Sarah Fitzpatrick is the director of the U.S. branch of Haven and is looking to recruit one hundred volunteers for the ‘Build It Week’ in November 2012. “In November 2011, 300 volunteers from Haven travelled to Haiti and built 54 permanent houses in the Santo community. The building site was located in Leogane, the area considered to be the epicenter of the January 2010 earthquake and where some of the worst damage resulted.”

“This year, Haven will return to Leogane in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. Haven U.S. is looking to recruit 100 volunteers, travelling from the U.S. and Ireland to join Haven in Haiti for a life changing week. While all volunteers will be required to raise $5,000, the majority of this will go towards building supplies, local community development, meals, and transport to and from Haiti. Although expertise is always helpful, volunteers of all walks of life are welcome, all you need is a strong worth ethic and desire to help people and be a part of a life changing experience.

‘Build It Week’ will take place from Saturday, November 24th to Saturday, December 1st 2012. The volunteer working and living conditions will be very basic but it is that sacrifice of comfort and commitment to helping that makes Haven so special.

“Haven has built over 2,200 homes and reached over 100,000 people through our emergency and recovery programs. We’ve distributed emergency supplies to over 80,000 people, provided 75,000 people with clean water and sanitation and employed over 800 Haitians. The 2010 earthquake in Haiti affected more than two million people. Today, thousands of Haitians continue to live in dire conditions. These families need our help.”

On Wednesday July 25, Haven U.S. will be holding an open information meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Navillus, 575 Fifth Avenue, New York. This meeting will give people the opportunity to learn more about Haven’s volunteer program.

If you or someone you know is interested in this wonderful opportunity, please feel free to attend this meeting or to contact Sarah Fitzpatrick at the Haven US office on 917.561.8044. There is also more information to be found on their website, www.havenpartnership.com.