EN-ID Blog
Since childhood, Mrs. Juniati (42) grew up with her parents in a modest home. The same house where she now cares for her parents in their old age. Despite the many memories, the house they lived in was no longer fit for habitation. However, it had never crossed her mind that the help to repair the house would come from the generosity of donors and volunteers from Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.
The house she grew up in with her parents now looks different. The house that was once made of plywood with an asbestos roof and a light steel frame now stands strong, offering the safety and comfort they had never experienced before.
Previously, every time heavy rain poured down, Mrs. Juniati had to prepare to collect the water that seeped into the house, as if she didn’t, the entire house would be flooded. The same was true when strong winds came, the whole family had to sit anxiously outside the house.
“It wasn’t just the heavy rain that worried me. When the wind came, we all had to sit in front of the house, afraid the house would collapse. It would creak, creak…,” said Juniati, recalling the tense moments they went through.
Financial limitations added to the burden. Her husband, Indra (42), a construction laborer, earned less than 130,000 IDR (approximately 8 USD) per day. With that income, fixing their broken house was not something they could afford. “If we had money, we would definitely want to build. But that’s just wishful thinking. We’re barely getting by, pressed by the economy,” said Juniati.
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But one day, a ray of hope came. The Habitat for Humanity Indonesia team visited their home and offered assistance to rebuild the house they had long dreamed of. Mrs. Juniati could not hide her gratitude. “Oh my God, really? Is the house really going to be built? Is Habitat really going to build the house?” she said, moved by the news.
The construction process began, and it didn’t take long to feel the difference. Now, their home has become a comfortable and safe place to live. Juniati shared that her husband, Indra, is now more enthusiastic about working. “Now, he’s really excited to work. Even when he works far away for months, he says he’s never worried about the house anymore, unlike before when he’d keep calling about the condition of the house,” said Juniati, smiling.
There’s also a funny story she’ll never forget. “When we first moved into this house, I kept sleeping in because it was so comfortable I’d miss waking up on time,” she laughed. Their lives are now much calmer, and this new home has become a place filled with happiness for their family.
Not only that, but a week after the house was completed, Indra eagerly built a kitchen for his wife. For them, the house is no longer just a place to live but a place to build dreams together. “A house is a palace for a mother. If you have money and a vehicle, but no house, where will you sleep? So, the house must be taken care of,” said Juniati, full of responsibility.
Now, Mrs. Juniati can spend more time taking care of her parents, providing them with the comfort in their old age that she had always dreamed of. This new home is the greatest gift for their family, a place to share love, care for their parents, and enjoy days full of happiness.
The transformation felt by Mrs. Juniati and her family is a tangible testament to the significant impact we can make when we support one another. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia remains committed to providing decent housing for millions of families across Indonesia. Let’s support this effort and be part of the change. Visit habitatindonesia.org/donate
(kh/av)
