Ten Muncie residents will be traveling with the Muncie Habitat for Humanity to Cochabamba, Bolivia on Friday in efforts to establish a strong bond with the Bolivians.
Muncie's Habitat for Humanity has donated 10 percent of its funds for almost 25 years to Habitat Bolivia, although the Bolivia chapter was established long before its Muncie counterpart.
The Muncie Habitat's CEO Lindsay Arthur said the Bolivia Habitat put out a plea for help and after finding out about their affiliation, Muncie Habitat decided to be their tithing international partner.
Muncie Habitat has supported 88 families throughout Bolivia, and $200,000 has been donated. Arthur hopes that the trip will help build relationships with the people. The group will be there until Oct. 9.
Marty Hendrick, a volunteer for about 25 years, is eager to establish this bond.
"It is in the interest of both affiliates to get to know each other better and work side by side on this great humanitarian effort," Hendrick said.
Last year was Muncie's Habitat for Humanity 25th anniversary and representatives with Bolivia Habitat came to join the celebration. Arthur said after their gesture it seemed like the timing was right to head to Bolivia this year to develop stronger relationships and help a family build a home.
"We really want to have a two way relationship with them," Arthur said.
Traveling along with Hendrick and Arthur are other board members, staff members and volunteers. They were chosen to come because of their dedication and time with the Muncie Habitat, Arthur said.
"We are excited about the team we have, " she said.
Hendrick is anxious to arrive in Bolivia and meet the family they will be helping for five days.
"Meeting and working with the family and getting to know them and their story will be exciting," Hendrick said.
Arthur hopes to be able to make more trips to Bolivia in the future to keep the relationship growing and allow other volunteers and staff members to see the Bolivian partners.
"Their story is part of our history and our story," Arthur said.
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