Habitat for Humanity Philippines re-launches its “Rebuild Philippines- Online Champions: Race to 200K” campaign through its crowd funding website, www.give2Habitat.org/philippines with the primary objective of engaging the public to create their own Give2Habitat support online fundraising page in helping raise additional funds to sustain its ongoing rehabilitation efforts in building disaster resilient homes for numerous families and communities still affected by super typhoon “Haiyan” (locally known as “Yolanda”).

 During the initial phase of Habitat’s relief efforts, weeks after Haiyan, the project was able to address the immediate needs for community sustainability and shelter repair in the communities of Cebu, Samar, Leyte, Iloilo, and Palawan through the distribution of 4,730 Emergency Shelter Kits (ESK), 16,062 Shelter Repair Kits (SRK), 90 pump boats, 40 trisikad, 1,978 solar lamps, 450 Clean-Up Kits.

To date, Habitat Philippines was able to engage more than 2,000 online fundraising volunteers who created and managed unique support pages which has raised more than Php 17Million through its Give2Habitat page in its official website.

Through partnerships with both public and private sectors, Habitat for Humanity Philippines was able to deliver and is continuously building classrooms, community centres, and core houses in affected areas of super typhoon Haiyan. However, there are still many families and communities who need continuous support.

T o contribute to Habitat’s ongoing efforts, the public is encouraged to join this campaign by visiting www.give2habitat.org/philippines/onlinechampion

Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) is a non-profit organization that serves Filipino families in need of decent homes. We bring together partners who share the same vision of transforming lives through building responsible and sustainable communities. Established in 1988, HFHP is a country affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International based in Georgia, USA. For 25 years, HFHP has served over 60,000 families throughout the country. HFHP envisions that every Filipino family has a decent place to live. Visit www.habitat.org.ph or www.facebook.com/habitatphilippines for more details.

There’s definitely more to social media than just posting selfies, and sharing throwbacks. And Habitat for Humanity proved just that during the height of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November.

photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity

When the typhoon hit, help was needed immediately. Thousands of families were devastated and there was no time to waste. With the urgency of the problem and the need to disseminate information fast, Habitat turned to social media for an answer. 

In a few days word about Habitat’s Yolanda response was all over social media; bloggers, celebrities, and other willing individuals readily stepped-up to help spread the word and rally for donations. With millions in donations coming in, Habitat quickly went to work distributing emergency Shelter Repair Kits across affected areas. In the weeks and months that followed, social media support continued. 

There is no denying the power of social media today-- it enables people to build valuable connections regardless of distance, it allows unbelievably fast information exchange, it helps businesses reach a wider market, and it is undeniably today’s most widely used communication platform.

•    Worldwide, there are over 1.15 billion Facebook users and more than 550 million registered Twitter users.
•    72% of all internet users are on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blog sites)
•    In the Philippines, there are 41 million internet users; 30 million of which are on social media.

Given the vast reach of this medium, Habitat for Humanity is proactively engaging social media influencers like you to boost our social media presence and tap the huge online market with our mission of helping those in need.

Habitat endeavors to shed light on and address the growing problem of poverty housing in the country by promoting policies, encouraging donations, inviting volunteers, and spreading the word about Habitat and its mission. 

Habitat works to provide decent shelter to families living in sub-standard, deplorable conditions. Over 1.6 billion of the world’s population live in inappropriate housing where children live in unhealthy conditions and families struggle daily to survive.

A home restores hope and provides stability among families and communities. In decent housing, the walls are strong and the roof is secure—and the family inside focuses more on thriving than on surviving. 

Habitat acknowledges the power of social media for social change. In its effort to maximize social media to help reach more people with its mission, Habitat is holding its first “Social Media Circle”, a gathering of bloggers and social media enthusiasts with a heart for social change; the event is also Habitat’s way of honoring its online supporters.

Habitat hopes to inspire these people to continue supporting Habitat’s work in their own way and through their own network of influence. With the undeniable power and vast reach of social media, Habitat is excited at the prospect of engaging more volunteers, donors, and advocates through this support group. 

Habitat is holding the very first “Social Media Circle” a gathering of social media influencers-- respected bloggers, celebrities/personalities with strong Facebook and Twitter presence, and members of online communities from various interest groups who are willing to help spread the word about Habitat and its work.

Campaign Objectives:
•    To build valuable relationship with key social media influencers who will serve as Habitat’s spokespersons online.
•    To boost Habitat’s presence and visibility in key social media sites.
•    To reach a wider audience online— increase Facebook likes and Twitter/Instagram followers.
•    To utilize social media channels as a potential tool to drive donations, volunteer sign-ups, and advocacy support.

By signing Habitat’s Pledge of Commitment willing bloggers and guests were tagged “Habitat Online Champion” a title reserved for those who are up for the challenge and journey of using their influence and network to spread the word about Habitat, its programs, and advocacies.

Regular “Social Media Circle” gathering will be held to share news and updates with these Online Champions.