Wayne Erbes

Our 16 member team consists a broad cross section of people from 8 states.  There are several who have experienced many Global Village trips, like our co-leaders Taylor and Paul, and others who are on their first adventure.  We are all committed to making a positive change in the world by making a difference in the lives of our host family.  The pictures are from previous trips of our team members to Vietnam, Philippines and El Salvador.

Thailand’s National Housing Authority estimates nearly 8.2 million of the country’s 67 million inhabitants live in substandard housing.

Poverty is widespread in the rural northeast, far north and far south of the country. Migration from rural areas has placed a strain upon the supply of affordable land. Migrants face high rent for small rooms and often live in overcrowded areas without proper sanitation. Squatter settlements are commonly seen along railway lines or near port and industrial areas.In addition to its traditional homebuilding model, Habitat Thailand uses a progressive building model in which homeowner partners construct a two-room core house with an open space, then add rooms and walls after three years or once a certain amount of the initial mortgage is repaid.

Thrivent and Habitat:

No matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve to have a decent life. We deserve to feel strength and stability day after day. At Habitat for Humanity, this is what unites us. Through shelter, we empower. Building with Habitat for Humanity International is a profound experience for all involved. It’s not just sticks and blocks. It is tears and smiles, borne of hard work and faith.That’s why Thrivent Financial works with Habitat and it’s why we want to do more. Much more. Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity engages congregations, Thrivent members, Habitat affiliates, and individuals from across the United States and around the world to build hundreds of housing solutions per year for Habitat homeowners, directly reducing poverty housing around the world.Thrivent Financial’s mission as a membership organization of Christians is to guide people to be wise with money and live generously. Leading or participating in a Thrivent Builds Worldwide trip with Habitat is a prime way to put that mission in action.

About Thrivent Builds Worldwide:

The Thrivent Builds program combines the financial, volunteer, and advocacy resources of Thrivent Financial together with the affordable housing leadership of Habitat for Humanity. Thrivent Builds Worldwide teams are led by members of Thrivent Financial and build in communities both locally and around the world. To learn more, please visit www.thriventbuilds.com

Global Village is Habitat for Humanity’s international volunteer program. Teams travel to over 40 countries to work alongside communities, build housing solutions, and experience local culture. Our goal is to change the lives of the people we serve, as well as the lives of the volunteers.

To join a team or learn more, visit www.habitat.org/gv.

About Habitat for Humanity International 

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.