Ecuador Earthquake Rapid Response

Hello donors!

Now that the Response Phase of our Ecuador Earthquake Relief program has come to an end, we continue to search for funds to once again start our work in an area in great need of assistance. During our many months in the cities of Canoa and Manta we made strong connections within the communities and built a trusted reputation based on our work and final product.

We are now in our fundraising stage for a Recovery phase and our partnerships team on the ground has approached various local foundations throughout Ecuador. One foundation is very interested in a school rebuild program in an area that is incredibly underserved. We have been looking to replicate our success in construction and design and have been working with a specific school closer to the epicentre to build 24 classrooms. We are exploring the cost of building a steel (for earthquake resistance) and recycled Textra Pak clad structure to try and create a unique and sustainable solution. The initial estimate of cost for a school is around $600,000 now that we are in the late design stages and we are looking for program funding. Through our many meetings and discussions with the community we have been able to listen to suggestions and gain input from community members and stakeholders. All Hands has always stuck to the belief that in order for our organization to make a positive difference in the community you have to listen to what the community truly needs. Our team on the ground has been working with community leaders so that we can make a positive impact and provide the critical assistance that is needed.

Another local foundation was impressed with our “Manos a la Costa” Core Home program and is exploring the option of funding more permanent housing in communities where many families are still living in earthquake-damaged homes or temporary shelters. We are continuing to explore all funding opportunities in hopes that we will secure enough funds to begin recovery efforts in Ecuador again. Thanks to generous donations like yours we have been able to start putting pieces of the puzzle together in order to have a greater chance of returning to Ecuador, and we are greatly appreciative.

Thank you!

Hello Donors!

It has now been almost 9 months since a devastating earthquake hit Ecuador in April, killing hundreds and destroying schools, buildings and homes. All Hands Volunteers immediately responded to the disaster and in that 9 months we have been able to impact 2,300 people through our efforts. 394 volunteers came together from 44 different countries to lend their time and skills to assist in the response and recovery efforts.

For the immediate response in the weeks following the earthquake our volunteers demolished or rubbled 62 different homes and 1 school, allowing the rebuilding process to begin much faster. 31 temporary shelters were constructed in order to provide a safe space for families that had been living in heavily damaged structures.

30 families were chosen as beneficiaries of our “Manos a la Costa” Core Home project. These 30 homes were built from the ground up using sustainable materials like bamboo, and constructed using methods that will reinforce the home and prevent damage in the future. These permanent homes were designed with the families to create a safe, comfortable space that could accommodate their individual needs.  

At the end of the response effort of our program we can proudly say we have assisted 575 families. Over 50,000 volunteer hours combined to make the strongest impact in areas that were largely forgotten about in the wake of the earthquake. In one community, an 800 liter water tank was set up that provided water to a community made up of 50 families, a basic necessity that they did not have access to before. All Hands looks to secure more funding to continue our work and will be exploring all options in order to make an even greater impact on the incredible communities in Ecuador.

Thanks for all that you do!

Links:

• http://www.hands.org