When Operation Blessing opened the Community of Hope for Typhoon Yolanda survivors, the beneficiaries had no idea that it would become more than just a place to live. It would become a community of hope that would change lives forever.
Marilyn Desabille had always dreamed of having a home she could call her own. She and her family had lived in her in-laws’ house for years, struggling to make ends meet. But that all changed in 2016, when Operation Blessing opened an opportunity to welcome new families to its resettlement project in Tacloban, the Community of Hope. It was a dream come true for Marilyn, who had always wanted to provide a better life for her children.
But OB didn’t stop in giving them a house to live in. Knowing many of the survivors were struggling to make a living, they provided each family with livelihood assistance.
Marilyn, who had always wanted to open a small enterprise, requested a rice retail business. She was delighted at the opportunity, and she worked tirelessly to see it succeed.
“Thanks to the retail business, I was able to support my family in ways I never thought possible. One of my children, who has cerebral palsy, needs special care and medical attention, and the profits from my business help cover the expenses,” she said gratefully.
Marilyn is also thankful for OB’s support, recognizing that she wouldn’t be where she is today without their help.
But OB’s impact on Marilyn’s life went beyond just the material things. “This resettlement project had brought together a community of survivors, people who had gone through the same struggles and hardships as mine. And everyone is working together to rebuild their lives, and that sense of community gave us hope and strength.”
As Marilyn looked around her own house, surrounded by her family and her thriving business, she knew that it was all an answered prayer. Operation Blessing had given her more than just a roof over her head and a means to make a living—they had given her a Community of Hope. And with the deed of donation already turned over, Marilyn knew that her family’s future was secure.
If you want to learn more about our efforts in transforming lives and how to support them, please go to www.operationblessing.ph/give. For inquiries, contact 09399215543 or 09189067753.