Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation

Tzu Chi is building a third village in southern Taiwan for the survivors of Typhoon Morakot last August. It aims to have the first 22 completed by June or July. The other two villages, with more than 760 homes completed, are in Shanlin and Gaoshu.

Volunteers broke ground on March 21 in the township of Yujing and work is going according to plan. “Our schedule is very tight,” said volunteer Lan Yixiong. “We hope by the end of June or the beginning of July to finish construction of 22 homes, including the landscaping. We are building ten large homes, eight mid-size ones and four small ones.” The bolts, pipes and steel cables of the foundation are in place and now the frames of the permanent homes are taking shape.

As the summer approaches, the temperature is rising; undeterred, those on the building site, aided by volunteers from southern Taiwan, are working hard with the aim of completing the houses on time. “Master Cheng Yen has given us a large field full of blessings,” said Lan. “We are very grateful for it. The volunteers have come not only from Yujing but places in Tainan city and county, like Rende and Yongkang.” Workers and volunteers alike are putting their heart and soul into the project, to give something to the survivors of the terrible typhoon last year.