The recent years have been tough for Malawi. Already struggling to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19, Cyclone Ana struck in January 2021. Then subsequent tropical storms displaced more than 190,000 citizens. Before the storms, many of these poor Malawians were already living in inadequate shelters. Their makeshift abodes – homes made from mud bricks, straw, tarps or tin scraps – were in danger of collapsing anytime it would storm. Many have been rebuilt. But until these families are able to upgrade their situation – and live in sturdy, storm-resistant shelters – they will be destined to lose their homes all over again when the next severe storm strikes.
THE SOLUTION: SAFE HOMES FOR VULNERABLE FAMILIES
Last year, Cross International worked with a local partner in Malawi, Ambuya Development Center, building homes for three displaced families in the remote villages of Thanganyika, Samama, and Ngundo — all located about an hour’s drive west of Blantyre. This project impacted three adults and 10 children, giving them a safe place to live and thrive. Over the next year, Cross and Ambuya will build four additional homes, impacting four adults and 16 children.
These families are led by widows or single women, and a sturdy, dignified home will immediately improve their families’ well-being and quality of life.
Each cement-block house includes a metal roof, a sturdy, lockable door, two bedrooms, a living space, an elevated concrete foundation, and runoff for rainwater. The project covers materials, a contractor, and quality assurance checks.
MEET THE PEOPLE OF SOUTHERN MALAWI
Recent severe weather events have made farming nearly impossible for 17-year-old Nelson Kansemo and his mother, who live in Ngundo Village. Since his father passed away, farming has been the only source of income and food for this family of six, who live in a cramped mudbrick hut with a straw roof and plastic tarp stretched across the front of the dwelling.
A stable home would ease the family’s burden, protect them from wind and rain, and allow Nelson to achieve his dream of finishing school.
You can join us in bringing hope and safe shelter to more families.
