From Malawi to Cambodia – Touchstone continues its work with Habitat for Humanity Great Britain
We're swapping managing properties for a life-changing experience building homes in Cambodia with Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (GB).
Touchstone has committed to another three-year project with Habitat for Humanity GB as part of its ongoing partnership with the charity. This is the first time Touchstone will work in Cambodia, having spent the previous three years supporting Habitat for Humanity GB with their work in Malawi.
Colleagues were surveyed to see where they next wanted to undertake charitable work and Siem Reap, Cambodia was chosen. Siem Reap, is home to 190,106 families, 16 percent of whom live in unsafe, dilapidated thatch houses made of scrap materials. Many don’t have access to clean drinking water or toilets.
Touchstone’s involvement will allow Habitat for Humanity GB to implement the Chabpdeum Chivet Thmey (CCT) “New Start, New Life” Project, working to construct simple, affordable, disaster resilient shelter, upgrade/renovate existing houses, and improve access to water and sanitation facilities.
The first Touchstone team will begin work in November 2019. During the project, Touchstone’s contribution and work will:
- Build 17 new quality, safe, affordable houses
- Upgrade or renovate 21 houses
- Build 10 additional toilets
- Train 38 families on financial literacy, home maintenance, and livelihood skills suitable to them and their community
- Provide micro-business grant to 17 families after receiving livelihood training
Helen Kings, Managing Director, Touchstone, said:
“Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity GB is something that means a great deal to us and we’re proud to commit to another three years. Colleagues have had truly amazing experiences building homes in Malawi, directly seeing how their work transforms lives. We are so excited to now support the people of Siem Reap, and I know our first team can’t wait to get started!”
Tum Kazunga, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, said:
“Although levels of poverty have declined recently, over a quarter of the country’s population still lives in poverty. Urban poverty is actually on the rise and this comes paired with an increase in the number of slums where families live in unsanitary and unhealthy conditions. This new project we are set to start with Touchstone will not only help us build new, safe homes for people in poverty, but also create self-sustaining communities.
“Our ongoing partnership with Touchstone represents our aims and ambitions to build more strategic partnerships with the UK private sector. We strive to ensure that these are relevant to the business goals of each organisation, drive transformational impact, and inspire the employees of our partners. Touchstone is a highly valued partner and we are very grateful for their continued support.”
About Habitat for Humanity
One in five people across the world live in slums and substandard housing, locking them into a grinding cycle of poverty. This lack of housing negatively affects their health and well-being, educational prospects, and ability to make a living.
Habitat for Humanity’s vision is a world where everyone has a safe place to call home. We believe that a decent home helps to permanently break the cycle of poverty and allows families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance.
We believe decent homes are the heartbeat of strong communities and so we also fight for land rights for women, upgrade urban slums and informal settlements, improve access to water and sanitation, and help communities become more resilient in the face of natural disasters.
Working in nearly 70 countries, we support the most marginalised and vulnerable in society, and welcome people of all religions and none to partner in our life-changing work. By working hand in hand with communities, since 1976 we have provided over 1 million homes and helped over 6.8 million people.
