Habitat for Humanity nabs FedEx Award for Innovations in Disaster Preparedness

Habitat for Humanity, a Global Washington member, has recently received the FedEx Award for Innovations in Disaster Preparedness to honor the work they have done in the earthquake zones of Tajikistan. Using cost effective supplies such as locally sourced timber, the organization has worked to build houses that will withstand earthquakes. In addition, the project has led to the establishment of new building codes, and citizens in eight communities throughout Tajikistan are now trained to build these houses.  Kip Scheidler, Senior Director for Global Disaster Response at Habitat for Humanity, stated, “We appreciate this recognition of our work in Tajikistan, where Habitat for Humanity has proven seismic-resistant construction [that] need not be costly and can be made available to low-income families.” The FedEx Award for Innovations in Disaster Preparedness was launched in 2013, and aims to recognize efforts to reduce community vulnerability to natural disasters.