TYPHOON HAIYAN RELIEF
PHILIPPINES: Rebuilding From empty donated land, families helped build their own homes – embracing the process so quickly, many moved in before they were even finished. Each family began leveling floors, building patios and turning their tents into homes.
AFTER THE STORM
Late last year Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded, fell on the unprepared residents of the Philippines. They were subjected to torrential rains, sustained winds up to 195 mph, and devastating storm surges. Homes were obliterated, entire families were lost and more than 6,000 people perished. Goal Zero, along with Barebones and Tifie Humanitarian, sent a team and supplies to Ormoc and Tacloban to rebuild a school and erect 50+ semi-permanent homes, complete with power and gardening equipment. “The biggest need right now is for semi-permanent housing,” said Robert Workman, Goal Zero Founder and CEO. “The need drives what we can do. What we can do is take a family, put them into a new home with electricity and a vegetable garden, on their own piece of land that’s been deeded to them by a local plantation owner. That’s pretty darn cool.” Things in the Philippines are improving; however, much of the country is still in ruin. People are still struggling to piece their lives back together and get back on their feet. Tarps, tents, beached ships, buildings near collapse, and all manners of makeshift shelters are what most call home. Our goal was to change that for a few. This trip wasn’t our first, and it won’t be our last. VISIT GOALZERO.COM/SOLARLIFE FOR THE LATEST ON RELIEF EFFORTS
30 SOLAR KITS