A different kind of housing crisis
While the United States is in the midst of a housing crisis, the people in El Salvador have another kind of housing crisis that has been going on for over a decade. Repeated natural disasters, poverty and a shortage of land have led to a deficit of over 400,000 homes. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, in an alliance with Habitat for Humanity International called Thrivent Builds, has committed $1.25 million over four years to build homes in the U.S and around the world. As a part of the Thrivent Builds program, Thrivent members, Lutherans and other volunteers will build 75 homes in El Salvador alongside the gracious, hardworking people there who need simple, dignified housing.
Suzanne Kocurek, Financial Associate with Thrivent went to El Salvador in 2008 and recalls her trip:
“What an honor it was to have been chosen by Thrivent to represent Texas on a Thrivent Builds trip to El Salvador. I traveled with strangers and came home with friends. Working side by side with the El Salvador people, I witnessed first hand the appreciation and thankfulness of people who have so little. As part of a team of 35, one of our jobs was to continue work for a community center in the Habitat Village. This will serve as a multi-purpose gathering place for church services, meetings, fellowship and a daycare. We came home dirty, tired and happy every evening. In a weeks time we not only worked hard, but worshipped, danced, laughed, sang, and shared food and fellowship with each other. It was an experience I will never forget.”
Suzanne is recruiting a team of volunteer to travel to El Salvador in November of this year. If you are interested in joining her or would like to know more.
Date: November 13 - 22 Thrivent benefit member cost: $710 / Family associate families and non-members: $1,050
Costs do not include airfare or the $10 fee for an entry visa. (There are opportunities for you to raise funds for this trip.) For more information visit: www.thriventbuilds.com/worldwide/elsalvador.