Hailing from Tainan City’s Anding District, Anding Charity Organization has been untiring in its effort to provide compassionate renovation work for those in need. On March 10 at 8am, the group headed to the Wangs’ household in order to fix their traditional-style roof, which had been leaky for years due to its structure and tiles. By helping return the roof to a state where it once again keeps out the elements, the organization has ensured that the Wangs will no longer have to worry about the leaking roof situation that has troubled them for years. This project is emblematic of how Anding Charity Organization has always stayed true to its original intent—little by little, find families that need restoration work done on their homes and then lend a helping hand when the moment presents itself.
Tainan City Government’s Bureau of Social Affairs once again found available money, which covered part of the funding for this restoration project. The bureau allocated funds from the Plan for Improving the Homes of Disadvantaged Families and this cash went towards renovation costs. Mr. Wu, a volunteer and galvanized iron construction specialist, went to the site personally to inspect the home and then evaluate renovation options. The roof was originally built with traditional-style concrete tiles that aren’t very waterproof. Therefore, if the team only patched up the problematic areas, in the not-too-distant future the family would likely be dealing with the same leaky roof issue. Wu, for this reason, decided to completely tear off the old roof and then lay a new roof with galvanized iron. After getting the owner’s approval, the team used a highly efficient construction strategy that allowed them to smoothly finish their mission just like they’d planned.
The Wang family is officially listed as a low-income household in need of government care, as one family member has a disability certificate. This person, who isn’t able to work, completely relies on a living subsidy to get by and lives in the house with the elderly father. The dilapidated roof has been in disrepair for years and this has caused frequent roof leaks. After inspecting the house, the organization contacted the city’s Bureau of Social Affairs to apply for funding, and then charity members were sent to fix the house so that the family could enjoy a home that meets basic living needs.
District Chief Liu Shih-Hsiung said that Anding Charity Organization was established in August 2014, and that, as of right now, the group has completed 20 cases, with house renovations being the most common at 14 cases (this includes four households that were re-inspected and then renovated). The total cost for these projects is 1,687,265NT (which is slightly more than $51,000), and the families that have benefited from this organization’s renovation work are able to feel a sense of never-ending compassion, as the improvements that make these families’ houses functional living spaces are the most practical kind of help. Members hope that by carrying out more work in the future that they’ll be able to accomplish their original goal that they envisioned when they founded the organization, which is making “Tainan a great place to live and Anding a district full of happiness”.
Contact: Anding District Office, Social Affairs Section, Li Jia-lun
Phone: 5921116 Ext. 128