On all sides one hears of the great need for low-cost homes, especially for those starting out in married life. The need certainly exists in the Republic. Given suitable siting, the example of Habitat for Humanity, Northern Ireland, is pertinent and to be strongly commended.
Habitat for Humanity, Northern Ireland (HfH), has been at work in Belfast for the past four or five years. It seeks to build quality affordable homes in partnership with low-income families. And, not only are homes provided, individuals participating feel empowered; hope is restored for them and communities are rebuilt in the process.
HfH has sought in Belfast to be a force for reconciliation in that divided city by breaking down the walls of separation and restoring and revitalising communities. This is achieved through co-operation, primarily with churches of all denominations; and the engaging of supportive businesses from all parts of the North.
During the week September 6th-10th, over 70 local clergymen took part in what was a special building project under the auspices of HfH, namely the annual cross-community self-build Christian housing project. This Building on Faith Week, as it is termed, provides a special opportunity for the churches to put faith into action.
The current project is a 16-house development in the Glencairn Estate, markedly UDA territory, in Protestant west Belfast. Volunteers from churches, businesses and the local communities representing both traditions were joined by Presbyterian clergymen, the Rev John Breathwaite (Dunmurry); the Rev Trevor Magowan (Ballymoney); the Rev Derek McKelvey (Belfast) and others in achieving the common goal of providing homes for families in need.
The first project of HfH was the provision of 11 homes in Iris Close, Catholic west Belfast. This was completed in 1997. Peter Farquarson of HfH believes that "its work is a symbolic and prophetic action in proclaiming the Christian gospel to the communities in the North; it is an affirmation that differences can be overcome in working towards the goal of co-existence and ultimately reconciliation with neighbour brought to neighbour and people to God".
A former Moderator of the General Assembly, Dr John Dunlop, is a long-term supporter of HfH. His personal experience is of people from different parts of the divided North coming together with their suspicions of each other, and building trust with one another in time.
A recent estimate by UNHCR is that 639,000 refugees have returned to Kosovo, with another 117,000 remaining in other countries. Naturally, many of the refugees are children and some of these are of school age. Children's Aid Direct (CAD) believes that "reintroducing where possible a routine again in the lives of child refugees will help them through past traumatic experiences and bring a measure of normality into their lives". A return to school would help and gifts of copy books, pens, pencils, rulers, erasers, pencil sharpeners and coloured pencils would be appreciated. Parents when shopping, perhaps, for the return to school of their children are encouraged to buy one or two small items for refugee children in Kosovo and Albania. Local schools might be encouraged to get involved in this back-to-school appeal.
Children's Aid Direct was one of the first charities to re-enter Kosovo to assess and meet the needs of returning refugees and people left behind during the crisis. It has been distributing varied aid since last June.
The journal Big Issues has joined with CAD in seeking to send this basic equipment to children in Kosovo and Albania. Big Issues promoted a sleeping bag appeal recently which resulted in more than 750 sleeping bags being delivered to homeless and rough sleepers throughout Ireland. The journal also organised an appeal for hygiene packs for Kosovo and some 1,000 of these were dispatched during the crisis. For further information contact: Ms Jean Binnie, Christ Church, Rathgar. Tel: 2987229.
The Rev Dr William O'Neill, minister emeritus of Howth and Malahide, preached at the Harvest Thanksgiving Service in St Andrew's Church of Ireland, Malahide. Dr Norman Gamble conducted the service.
Fathers MacCarten Brady, James Randles (St Sylvester's, Malahide), Brendan Heffernan (Portmarnock) and Keilen Brennan, with all of whom Dr O'Neill had been associated during his 36 years' ministry in Malahide, took part. Afterwards, at tea in the hall, Dr Gamble and Father Brady paid tribute to the ecumenical spirit and much appreciated work in Malahide of Dr and Mrs O'Neill. Gifts were given by the two communities.