|
|
|
Joanna (2nd from right) and Allen (3rd from left) flanked by Hope (left), Francis (right) and Allen’s wife, Jeanette Tong.
|
18th March, 2010
LIKAS: Habitat for Humanity KK Affiliate hopes to raise RM500,000 this year so as to construct 20 houses for the homeless in Sabah.
Its president, Joanna Kitingan told reporters yesterday that every house built by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) costs between RM25,000 and RM30,000 depending on its size and the materials used.
“We hope members of the public and corporate citizens would pitch in and help us in our endeavor to build houses for those without a roof over their heads,” she said.
She added that they have volunteers as labourers, but they needed contributions to buy building materials.
Last year, the NGO constructed eight houses and renovated two houses that were dilapidated.
Founding president, Allen Tong meanwhile said the applicants for the housing assistance programme were required to go through a stringent screening process before they were accepted.
He said the household income of the applicants must be RM2500 and below, and they or their family members should have the capacity to contribute 400 hours of sweat as well as to pay for the house. The house payment is between RM150 and RM250 per month.
He added that they would be starting work on a house in Tambunan beginning March 27 this year and that volunteers were welcome to help out.
There will also be 18 foreign volunteers from the American International School of Dubai.
The volunteers, mostly students, will be in Sabah until April 5 this year.
Allen also said that it would be good if local secondary schools could get their students interested in becoming volunteers.
“It is a noteworthy task,” he said.
Moreover, the local students will have the opportunity to mix and work with people of other cultures and nationalities, he said.
Those interested to participate in the NGOs activities can contact them at 088-243080.
Also present at the press conference were vice president, Francis Chong and family selection chairman, Hope Hurlbut.
|
