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<p>Today as I was researching <a title=”Habitat for Humanity” href=”http://www.habitat.org/” target=”_blank”>Habitat for Humanity</a>, I learned how far its helping hand reaches: Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific, Europe, Central Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the United States and Canada. I had no idea.</p>
<p>Even more interesting, though, is that Habitat continues to build in such war-torn counties as Afghanistan and Pakistan. In a time when many Americans are concerned only with their current economic crisis, Habitat is providing the people of Afghanistan with <a title=”Habitat for Humanity Afghanistan” href=”http://www.habitat.org/intl/ap/2.aspx” target=”_blank”>First Shelter homes and the Save & Build</a> program.</p>
<p>Habitat’s First Shelter homes are in the traditional style of building with earth, brick and straw and a dome roof for temperature control. In Afghanistan, this method of building is the norm, but Habitat carries the <a title=”Habitat For Humanity Goes Green!” href=”https://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/habitat-for-humanity-builds-green-homes-zmaz03amzgoe” target=”_self”>green building trend</a> to more and more of its homes around the world. This is especially relevant to us here at MOTHER EARTH NEWS; in fact, you can learn more about building with natural materials by reading <a title=”Building with Earth” href=”https://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/building-an-affordable-home-from-earthen-materials-zmaz02amzgoe” target=”_self”>Building with Earth</a>, April/May 2002.</p>
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<p>The most amazing part of all of this is that Habitat for Humanity Afghanistan was not born until 2002–<i>after</i> Sept. 11 and the beginning of the War on Terror. Although Habitat’s website states that it is not currently hosting any international volunteers in Afghanistan, I am pleasantly surprised that efforts there trudge forward. More than 184 homes have been constructed with Save & Build and more than 335 families have received First Shelter homes. </p>
<p>Kudos to Habitat for Humanity for recognizing that political or religious differences should not affect one’s willingness to help.</p>
<p>Habitat may not be sending American volunteers to Afghanistan, but you can help locally and learn more at the <a title=”Habitat for Humanity” href=”http://www.habitat.org/” target=”_blank”>Habitat for Humanity website.</a>
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<em>Photos courtesy of Habitat for Humanity International</em>
