We Raised the Roof in Kenya!

Today I had the great privilege to participate in the build of a new home for a Gran in Ahero, Kenya, Lewinta Yogo, an 83-year-old woman who lost all ten of her children. Our Raise the Roof program allowed us to build several houses, including this one, which had become unsafe. Sister Paul and the team organized the builders who agreed to build for a quarter of their daily wage. The community gathered and prepared meals for all the crew and volunteers who worked from morning to night.

In one day, the former home was demolished and a new tin house with a Eucalyptus wood frame was built. The floor is piled high with dirt from the walls of her former dirt-wall home. There was much laughter, singing, and excitement as we sat and watched and lent a hand until her bed and belongings were carried into her new home to welcome her. Lewinta could not thank HelpAge Canada enough for her new home. The day ended with a blessing, prayer, and song from those gathered. In the video here, the community spontaneously jumped into song.