Belizean families received keys to their new homes on March 13, 2004 in a ceremony on Caye Caulker Island. A total of 21 new, solid, and sturdy homes with indoor plumbing and water were built for homeless families. Hurricane Keith hit Belize in October 2000 totally destroying over 65% of the structures on the island.
The four year housing program on Caye Caulker Island was a joint partnership between Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), the Anglican Diocese of Belize, the Caye Caulker Village Council, and the Belizean government.
Over a hundred people attended the ceremony. Sandra Swan, ERD President, gave keys to the new homeowners. Many dignitaries made speeches including the Rt. Rev. Sylvestre Romero, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Belize, and the Hon. Said Musa, Prime Minister of Belize and Minister of National Development.
"In my term as bishop, ERD has always been there to help us respond when people are suffering," said Bishop Romero. "The uniqueness of the Anglican Church is that it's not just about preaching to the spirit, but doing the work of the gospel. The Church is all of us working together to rebuild and be there when people are in need," he said.
The Hon. Said Musa said, "The Anglican Church of Belize has done this work with the help of our Anglican brothers and sisters. Together, the partnership with the Church of Belize, Episcopal Relief and Development, and the government, we are able to build homes for very poor families."
Maguerita Gonore, a single mother of six children, received a new home. "Hurricane Keith happened on my birthday when I was pregnant with my son who is now three. We couldn't stay in our home. Everything was destroyed," said Maguerita. "I was one of the first applicants for the [housing] program. Now, I have a three bedroom home for my six children. I know what it is not to have a home. So it's a good feeling to know that you have something of your own," she stated.
ERD partnered with the Church of Belize and the Belizean government to build the homes, and coordinate volunteer work teams, hire workers, and participating families for the rebuilding program. The government provided land, electricity, roads, and space for a new Anglican Church building. ERD strengthened the local economy by providing job training and micro-credit opportunities to families.
With help from the Church of Belize, ERD is also restoring schools and churches in Placencia and Monkey River, located in the southern part of Belize. High winds and torrential rains caused by Hurricane Iris in 2001 damaged structures in both communities.
To help communities rebuild after disasters, donate online at www.er-d.org or call (800) 334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.
Episcopal Relief and Development is an effective, reliable, and vital ministry of the Episcopal Church in communities around the world. Episcopal Relief and Development provides emergency assistance in times of disaster, rebuilds devastated communities after the immediate crisis is over, and offers long-term solutions to help people sustain safer, healthier, and more productive lives.
