Anita and Josepito Ravelo is a couple with six children, two of which are grown and live elsewhere. They live in the village of Rizal, fifteen minutes north of Hope for the Island. Although Josepito is a farmer, he built his small nipa hut on stilts within the ocean along with many others who did not have land of their own.
See Typhoon Ruby Gallery See Typhoon Ruby Blog Post
When storms come, these families are most at risk from high winds and ocean surges. As typhoon Ruby threatened to make landfall on Dec 6/14 their family packed a few bags and headed for the elementary school that is on high ground. They, like many, returned to their home to safeguard their only belongings in life. They tried to hold out as long as they could. The weather continued to worsen and the tide rose extremely high, so they left in the dark of night for higher ground, as did their neighbors.
The cost of one home is $500.00, please click this link and build a home
Sadly, countless people die in situations like this. They try to preserve the little they have at the expense of their own lives. This family was definitely thankful they made the decision to leave. Thirty minutes later the first wave came thundering in and wiped out their home! Three more waves hit and washed away a total of forty-four homes. The ocean surge travelled up to the national road leaving a path of destruction scattering boats and debris throughout the rice fields. We thank God that no one in the village lost their life.
We, at Hope for the Island, spent our Christmas reaching out to families affected by Typhoon Ruby. We knew we did not have the necessary funds to help them rebuild. We served food, distributed clothing and supplies from our Bags of Hope. For many months now, families have been sleeping on benches in churches and in neighbors’ homes.
The Revelos are the first family we have had the privilege of helping rebuild their home. A relative of theirs donated a small piece of land for them to build on. On average the cost is $500 to buy the basic materials needed to rebuild a small home. Labor is not paid for, as family and friends supply the labor.
Thus far we have received donations to cover the cost to rebuild three homes. Please pray how you can help to meet this critical need! Pray also for direction as we coordinate with the local government to find land that is safe for these people to relocate to. As of now, only twelve out of the forty-four families have secured a place to rebuild.
Will you help us restore these families?
We have funds to build 3 homes and we need funds to build 39 more.
The cost of one home is $500.00, please click this link and build a home
Derek
