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Global Village Committee
Northern Ireland
Our Photo Gallery -- March 31 - April 15, 2006
"Habitat bug" leads OC volunteers to Northern Ireland
by Gladys Hernandez, HfHOC Staff
In 2000, on a construction site in Costa Mesa, Ursula and Matt Bohen caught the Habitat for Humanity bug. Since then, the Bohens have been dedicated Habitat volunteers.In 2002, Ursula was selected as the first recipient of the Betty Andresen scholarship, and was able to go to Northern Ireland to help build a Habitat home.
Upon her return, the Bohens launched Global Village with our affiliate. Recently, they led a team back to Northern Ireland. The team did finishing work on two houses at the Downpatrick site, including working on the doors and windows, and cutting the skirting boards and tacking them on. They also worked on the wheelchair ramps and fences for the homes, along with other tasks to help bring the houses closer to completion.
"The highlight for me was seeing one of the families stop by the site and look at their home," said Matt. "Seeing the mother showing her young daughter where her room was going to be. That's when it hits you that these are more than just physical structures -- these are places where families create the moments and memories that they will cherish." To those considering taking a Global Village trip, Matt says, "do it, it will be so worth it."
About Northern Ireland
Ireland is a North Atlantic island separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea. Northern Ireland comprises the island's six northeastern counties that remained part of the United Kingdom while other counties claimed independence in 1922, forming the Republic of Ireland.
A small, modern, trade-dependent region, Northern Ireland's jobs are primarily in the service industry. While the government has been successful in stimulating economic growth and reducing unemployment rates over the last decade, housing costs continue to increase by an average of 10 percent per year, creating a greater affordable housing gap for lower wage earners.
In 1994 HFH Northern Ireland became the first Habitat affiliate in the United Kingdom. HFH Northern Ireland has a vision of rebuilding houses, communities and hope in an area that has witnessed more than 30 years of violence between Catholics and Protestants. In 1997, houses were built in Iris Close, a predominantly Catholic West Belfast neighborhood. More recently, houses were built in Glencairn Estate, a Protestant neighborhood just across the peace line and near Iris Close. On both occasions, Catholics and Protestants worked together to help those in need. Currently HFHNI is building in Belfast, Omagh, and Downpatrick.
As a pilot program for Habitat for Humanity's "More than Houses" capital campaign, HFH Northern Ireland has hosted record numbers of Global Village teams. Catholic and Protestant volunteers work side by side on HFH Northern Ireland projects, promoting the Millennium Project's goal of tolerance under the banner of "Communities Without Fear."
HFH Northern Ireland builds duplexes. Construction is typically wood frames with a brick surround and clay tile roofs.
Dates
March 31 - April 15, 2006
Build Location
Downpatrick, Northern Ireland
Tentative Itinerary
| Fri., March 31 | Depart from Los Angeles International Airport |
| Sat., April 1 | Arrive Belfast |
| Sun., April 2 | Church, sightseeing in Belfast, orientation |
| Mon.-Tue., April 3-4 | Work days |
| Wed., April 5 | Sightseeing in Belfast |
| Thu.-Fri., April 6-7 | Work days |
| Sat.-Mon., April 8-10 | Sightseeing in Dublin |
| Tue.-Fri., April 11-14 | Work days |
| Sat., April 15 | Depart Belfast |
After the team arrives in Northern Ireland on April 1 we will work daily except for our trip to Dublin.
Cost
The cost per person will be $2,200 US, not including round-trip airfare to Belfast. This cost includes meals, transportation, sightseeing, lodging, insurance, and a contribution to the affiliate's building fund. The team's accommodations are to be determined, but will likely be Finnebrogue House where the 2004 team stayed.
Purpose
To build simple, decent homes for God's people in need and be part of the rich Irish culture.
Team Leaders
Ursula and Matt Bohen
Ursula and Matt have volunteered for Habitat for Humanity of Orange County for several years. This will be their third trip as Global Village team leaders and their second to Northern Ireland. Learn more about their first trip in 2004.
