CRWRC Philippines Housing Project

Opportunity Brochure

Location:  Philippines; island of Mindanao

Size:  2-5 people as representatives of their family, group or church

Number of Teams:  several

Project: Impact: The Philippine government through the World Bank, built an infra-structure of dikes, channels and levies to protect the city of Butuan in the Mindanao island from perennial flooding. The annual problem of flooding was caused by decades of deforestation beginning in the colonial period.  This resulted in the displacement of thousands of families that lived along the river banks.
The Philippines through Butuan City government in the island of Mindanao, has donated land to relocate and build homes for 6,000 families who where displaced from their homes along the river banks.  They are also donating new roads, electrical lines and all the sewage infrastructure in the housing area.  

Time Commitment:  approximately10 days in the Philippines, plus 10 - 15 hours of reading, orientation and preparation before departure. As a group, you will also be expected to raise awareness of this project with your supporting community.

Dates Opportunity Is Available:  2009/2010 at the point where the family has almost completed building their new house, using funds provided by your group.

Purpose: Help build homes and relationships and form new partnerships between supporters, local Filipino communities and missionaries so as to continue the work of building God’s kingdom.

Specific Responsibilities:
1) Provide ‘materials’ funding for one or more family homes
2) Work alongside local families to complete their homes and then celebrate with them.                          
3) Build relationships with the community by staying open and flexible to the culture around you.
4) Live and worship with the community during the project.
5) Complete recommended reading and participate in orientation meetings before leaving for the Philippines.                 
6) Team leader to attend 2.5 day orientation workshop at the CRC Home office.
7) Complete evaluations and share your experience with your church and/or supporters.

Qualifications:
1) Open to families, Christian church groups, and whole congregations who are from Canada or the US.
2) General construction experience an asset– preferably one or two experienced construction workers per team, but remembering that much of your time in the Philippines will be a ‘learning’ experience.
3) Ability to do physical work in a tropical climate and sometimes under rustic conditions
4) Willingness to serve under the leadership of the community
5) Be compassionate, respectful of other cultures, and emotionally stable;
6) Flexible, adaptable and able to view life with a sense of humor:
7) Raise prayer and financial support by inviting individuals, businesses and/or churches to give to your opportunity

Budget: The following is an estimated budget (in US funds).
•  Material Fee per house:  $2985
•  Estimated $1835 per person for RT flights to the Philippines from North America, airport tax, food, lodging and in country transportation.
•  Other varying costs: out of country medical and travel insurance, vaccinations, passports and personal spending money

Benefits:
1) Growth in your faith and relationship with God;
2) Fellowship with and build new relationships with the local community;
3) Serve as an encouragement to Christians in the Philippines;
4) Partner with CRWRC staff, learn about their work and encourage them in their efforts to serve the people of the Philippines;
5) A chance to learn from, serve and be served by a different culture;
6) Through the efforts of your service and partnership, help make a difference in assisting the Filipino church in spreading the Gospel;
7) Develop a personal perspective on poverty, missions and community development
8) Learn about the history and culture of the Philippines;
9) Gain satisfaction of seeing how your prayers and contributions to CRWRC/CRWM have impacted communities in the Philippines;
10) Assist in educating and raising awareness in North America of the social and
political situation in the Philippines;
11) Expenses directly related to this volunteer opportunity may be tax-deductible.

Support Services Provided: ServiceLink and CRWRC agree to provide:
- orientation materials as well as ongoing logistics and support to meet the needs of the volunteers, local community, and Filipino staff;
- Pre-departure orientation (Required);
- consultation and/or visits by missionary staff when available; 
- opportunity to help volunteers link their individual/church’s mission and vision to ministry being done;
- recognition in various communications to supporters.

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please contact us today at volunteer@crcna.org.

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