American Red Cross Partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Shortly after the December 2004 tsunami, the American Red Cross and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) established a partnership to rebuild tsunami-affected communities throughout Indonesia.

In addition to funding the construction of more than 1,800 new homes and transitional shelters, the American Red Cross has also provided funding to IOM to ensure more than 4,000 IOM-constructed homes have access to a permanent water supply and appropriate sanitation. Additionally, the Red Cross has funded the construction of 21 schools and community centers.

Included below are the stories of just some of the project's beneficiaries as collected by the International Organization for Migration.

Just in Time Finding a permanent home following the December 2004 tsunami has been difficult for Hasril Hulu. His home was severely damaged, and he had since been living in transitional housing – that is until the land owner announced he needed to immediately dismantle the barracks Hasril shared with other displaced tsunami survivors. Facing homelessness, he started to reconstruct his dilapidated home, but worried the repairs would fail and he would be forced to move his now pregnant wife into a tent. Having slept in a tent for a short-time following the tsunami, Hasril knew he did not want his child to be born into such harsh conditions. To his relief, however, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), funded by the American Red Cross, successfully reconstructed his home in time for his wife Aira Fitria to give birth. As soon as they received the keys to their completed home, they started making plans for their future. "The kitchen will be here, there will be a partition here, so we can have a relatively spacious family room," shares Aira. "We have many plans. We have skills. I will open a welding shop," adds Hasril. Their restored home, undoubtedly, represents more than a shelter – its completion has restored their security, welcomed their first child and given them back their livelihood. In addition to helping Hasril and Aira, IOM and the American Red Cross have brought stability to the lives of Lamjamee (Banda Aceh) residents by constructing dozens of permanent houses in their village.

As part of the world's largest humanitarian network, the American Red Cross alleviates the suffering of victims of war, disaster and other international crises, and works with other Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to improve chronic, life-threatening conditions in developing nations. We reconnect families separated by emergencies and educate the American public about international humanitarian law. This assistance is made possible through the generosity of the American public.