A NORTHSIDE woman is set for a trip of a lifetime next month to volunteer for an international housing organisation.
On September 21, Karen Dwyer, from Donycarney, will travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina, with Brent Pope and 16 other Irish volunteers to work for Habitat for Humanity Ireland.
She will be working alongside local communities and helping families improve their housing conditions.
Karen will spend one week laying foundations and bricks as well as plastering walls alongside a Habitat for Humanity partner family who will move into their new home once it is completed.
“I’ll be helping build
‘seed houses’ for three families to give them a better chance for education, health, security and most importantly to give them dignity and something to be proud of,
? Karen told Northside People.
There are 10 million people living in inadequate housing conditions in Argentina. In 2001, Argentina suffered a severe economic collapse that left 50 per cent of the population below the poverty line.
The country continues to experience high inflation which makes it difficult for low income families to find affordable and safe housing.
Habitat for Humanity Argentina works to provide decent shelter, water and sanitation access and financial education to families in need.
This reduces the family’s vulnerability and provides the foundation to breaking the poverty cycle.
In every case families are an essential part in the construction of their housing solution, working alongside other families and volunteers.
Karen said she originally became interested in volunteering after travelling to Africa four years ago and seeing first-hand the poverty families were living in.
“Ever since then, it’s been in the back of my mind that I need to find a way I could help, be that in Africa or in another country similarly affected,
? she stated.
“An opportunity came up recently when I saw an advertisement for a trip to Argentina being led by Brent Pope and as an avid rugby fan it caught my eye.
“It was with a charity which I believe has great ideals so I took a chance, applied and am thrilled to have been accepted.
?
Karen needs to raise
?¬3,500 to go on the trip.
“I’ve started my fundraising with bake sales, cake raffles and offering cake decorating classes to family, friends and work colleagues so I’m well on the way to raising the money needed,
? she said.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to Argentina and in some small way making a difference.
”
You can help Karen by donating at www.mycharity.ie eventskaren_dwyer.
Habitat for Humanity Ireland sends teams of volunteers to countries around the world throughout the year.
Volunteers need no construction experience as training is provided onsite by local trade professionals. For more information visit www.habitatireland.ie or call 01-5310033.