Urgent Appeal: Help Us Build Resilient Homes for Families in the Philippines

 

The Philippines is facing an unprecedented crisis. Six powerful tropical storms battered the country in November 2024, leaving a trail of destruction. At least 171 people have lost their lives, and thousands more have been displaced. For many Filipinos, this occurrence  is just the latest in a long line of devastating storms that have ravaged their homes and livelihoods.

At Build Change, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of disaster-resilient housing. Families who have strengthened their homes through our programs have weathered these storms in safety and peace. Unfortunately, many more families urgently need our help. With more storms predicted for the coming months, the need for resilient homes is more pressing than ever.

Resilient Homes Save Lives

Evangeline Ariola, a homeowner from Baler, Aurora, shared how her strengthened home provided protection during Typhoon Pepito:
“We didn’t feel the wind or anything. It felt like there wasn’t a typhoon at all. The house provides so much protection. Now, we feel safe.”

Before her home was reinforced, Evangeline’s roof would always be blown off during storms. Her belongings were damaged by heavy rain. Now, her family is no longer afraid of the next typhoon. Strengthened homes, properly retrofitted to withstand extreme weather, offer a lifeline for families who face this danger year after year.

Roselia Tubig, a homeowner who also benefited from Build Change’s programs, shares her experience:
“I’m so relieved now because my house is resilient. Before, I always worried whenever a storm was coming. The roof would fly off. things would get soaked. It was a constant battle to repair and fix it. Now, with the improvements made to my house, I know that my family and my belongings safe.”

Her story reflects the reality for many families living in unsafe homes. Her roof, which had once been a source of constant anxiety, is now secure. Roselia no longer worries about losing her belongings or facing expensive repairs after each storm.

The Growing Crisis in the Philippines

This year, the Philippines has endured one of the most active and destructive typhoon seasons on record. The effects of climate change are undeniable: warmer ocean temperatures are intensifying storms, bringing heavier rains and stronger winds. Meanwhile, poverty prevents many families from building safer, stronger homes.

The devastation wrought by the six typhoons in November is compounded by the lack of affordable housing solutions for low- and middle-income families.

Build Change’s Response: Building Stronger Homes

At Build Change, we have been working in the Philippines since 2014, partnering with local communities to build and retrofit homes that are safe, sustainable, and resilient to future disasters. Thanks to the support of donors like you, we have already helped thousands of families strengthen their homes. But there is so much more to be done.

We are currently working with microfinance institutions to provide affordable financing solutions for low-income families who want to strengthen their homes but cannot afford the upfront costs. Through these partnerships, as well as collaboration with government agencies in the Philippines, we can offer practical, cost-effective, and long-lasting solutions that protect lives and property.

We need your help to expand this critical work. Your donation can provide:

• Immediate technical assistance and resources to local partners about disaster-resilient housing.
• Affordable and permanent repairs for families whose homes have been damaged or destroyed.
• Tools and training to empower local communities to build safer homes and strengthen their resilience to future disasters.

A Call for Support

As Build Change’s CEO Juan Caballero says,
“We believe that every family, no matter their income, deserves a safe, strong home. We cannot do this alone. With your support, we can help these families recover faster and build homes that will protect them for years to come. Together, we can help families rebuild after these storms and ensure they are ready for the next one.”

Your Support Can Make a Life-Saving Difference

Every dollar you donate helps build safer, more resilient homes for families in the Philippines. With your support, we can help these communities recover more quickly, rebuild stronger, and prepare for future storms. Together, we can break the cycle of destruction and rebuild a future where every family has a safe, resilient home.

As Country Program Manager Girlie Lopez puts it:
“The problem of inadequate and unsafe housing is huge in the Philippines. We also know there is a solution. The homes strengthened by Build Change are safe. With additional support, we can help homeowners to strengthen their homes and to be ready for the next typhoon.” 

How You Can Help

Please join us in providing urgent support to families who are still reeling from the recent storms. Your contribution can help accelerate long-term recovery efforts and ensure that more homes are built to withstand future disasters.

• Donate today to help us strengthen homes and save lives.
• Spread the word: Share this appeal with your network and help raise awareness.
• Partner with us: If you’re part of an organization that can offer support, we’d love to collaborate with you to maximize the impact of our work.

Every donation brings us one step closer to a safer, more resilient future for the people of the Philippines. Together, we can make a difference.

Thank you for your continued support and generosity. Your help matters more than ever.

Donate Now – Because Every Family Deserves a Safe Home.

Learn More About Build Change’s Work in the Philippines: For more information about our programs and the impact of your donation, visit Build Change’s Philippines Program Page.