EN-ID Blog
Sudjadi (52) has spent over twenty years living in Kampung Bebulak, Desa Margamulya, Mauk Subdistrict, Tangerang Regency. As a day laborer, his life has been far from easy. Every day, he battles exhaustion, striving to provide for his family, even though his income often falls short.
His wife, Hayati (49), a housewife, shares life’s burdens with her husband, especially when they had to live in a house that was on the verge of collapse. “That old house was about to fall apart; it often got hit by falling coconuts. My grandkids were scared,” Sudjadi recalled, reflecting on the past.
For many, rain is a blessing, but for Sudjadi’s family, it was a threat. “The saddest part is when it rained. I had to wake the kids up to grab buckets and bowls to catch the leaking water… byuurrr, the water would fall,” Sudjadi added.
The roof of their house was made of palm leaves patched with plastic, a makeshift solution to stop the rain from seeping through. The bamboo walls, already rotting, had become a haven for rats, cockroaches, and worms. Their filth not only dirtied the house but also spread diseases that frequently afflicted the family members.
A New Hope
Amid hardship, a glimmer of hope appeared. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, along with donors and volunteers, came to rebuild Sudjadi’s house. What was once a crumbling home now stands firm, a symbol of renewal for Sudjadi’s small family.
“It feels like a dream. I’m so grateful to have a nice house like this. Words can’t express it,” Sudjadi said, overcome with gratitude.
This new home provides not only a safe shelter from the rain and sun but also brings better health. “No more itching now. The kids rarely get sick anymore. They love staying home and studying; they say it’s so comfortable,” he added.
A Small Paradise for Sudjadi and His Family
Now, the house is a place where Sudjadi and Hayati can spend time with their grandchildren in peace. No longer do they live in fear of leaking roofs or crumbling walls.
For Sudjadi, this house is a small paradise, offering warmth and happiness that once seemed out of reach. Sudjadi and his family can now face their days with smiles, unburdened by worries, thanks to a home that provides not just shelter, but an opportunity for a better, happier life.
Sudjadi’s story is just one of many about hope and change made possible through real action. You too can be part of this transformation by visiting www.habitatindonesia.org/donate
(kh/av)
