Real Break Houston I - IOCC & Habitat For Humanity
www.iocc.org & www.habitat.org
February 25 - March 3, 2012
CANCELLED
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
<!--
Registration Deadlines
There are limited spaces for each destination. To secure your spot, register online with a $150 deposit. Final payment is not due until January 30, 2012.
Information about International Orthodox Christian Charities
& Habitat for Humanity
International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), in the spirit of Christ's love, offers emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination, and strengthens the capacity of the Orthodox Church to so respond. It was established in March 1992 as the official international humanitarian organization of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA). In seeking to provide assistance to the poor, either in response to emergencies or long term socio-economic development needs, IOCC's fundamental policy is to develop a sustainable indigenous capacity to carry out such programs. All programs are guided by the two goals of program integrity and the highest standards of stewardship to donors.
Overseas offices are established by IOCC when, and if, the Orthodox hierarchy of the country in question have made a request; if there is a need to use IOCC skills to enhance the capacity of the Church and other institutions to reach the poor more effectively; and if the scale of the program requires an on-site presence to monitor targeting of beneficiaries, program implementation and reporting.
IOCC maintains relationships with other institutions so that Orthodox Christian humanitarian concerns and initiatives are appropriately represented. IOCC is registered with the U.S. Agency for International Development and is eligible to receive funds for foreign assistance from the U.S. Government. It is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global coalition of churches and relief agencies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy, and InterAction, a coalition of U.S. based non-governmental organizations that carry out humanitarian assistance programs overseas. As a member, IOCC is bound by the InterAction code of professional ethics. IOCC is active in ecumenical initiatives both with the National Council of the Churches of Christ and with the World Council of Churches and the ACT Alliance.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. They build homes with people in need regardless of race or religion and welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds.
It was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller. The concept that grew into Habitat for Humanity International was born at Koinonia Farm, a small, interracial, Christian community outside of Americus, Georgia. Koinonia Farm was founded in 1942 by farmer and biblical scholar Clarence Jordan.
The Fullers first visited Koinonia in 1965. They had recently left a successful business and an affluent lifestyle in Montgomery, Alabama to begin a new life of Christian service.
At Koinonia, Jordan and Fuller developed the concept of "partnership housing." The concept centered on those in need of adequate shelter working side by side with volunteers to build simple, decent houses.
In 1968, Koinonia laid out 42 half-acre house sites with four acres reserved as a community park and recreational area. Capital was donated from around the country to start the work. Homes were built and sold to families in need at no profit and no interest. The basic model of Habitat for Humanity was begun. Today, Habitat for Humanity is a true world leader in addressing the issues of poverty housing.
Mission
In partnership with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) and Habitat for Humanity, Real Break Houston is an opportunity to offer relief to those affected by recent Natural Disasters. Major Hurricanes and flooding damaged many homes along the Gulf coast and left many without a home. This team will serve the needs of these people by building homes.
Trip Cost - $700
The cost of this trip includes ground transportation, lodging, meals, materials, sightseeing, and a generous donation to Habitat for Humanity; however, it does not include the flight to and from Houston (George Bush Intercontinental or Houston Hobby Airport). If you fundraise over the trip cost, OCF will reimburse your flight up to the overage amount fundraised.
Refund/Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be received in writing to
realbreak@ocf.net by January 30, 2012. At this time, participants will forfeit their $150 deposit. If a participant cancels after January 30, 2012, he/she may be responsible for the full cost of their international flight if the trip is not filled by other participants. OCF is not responsible for the cost of any domestic flights booked by the participant. OCF reserves the right to use the credit card on file for any incurred costs.
Travel Arrangements
Each participant will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements, updating this information online in their registration, and e-mailing this information to realbreak@ocf.net. Participants should arrive on February 25, 2012, into George Bush Intercontinental or Houston Hobby Airport (Houston) by 4:00 pm (Van's will leave the airports at 5PM), and depart on March 3, 2012, no earlier than 12:00 noon. As we draw closer to the day of the trip, the leader will direct you where the Real Break team will meet.
Living Conditions
Participants will be staying in a Church hall where inflatable mattresses, sheets, covers, and pillows will all be provided.
Emergencies
In case of emergency during your trip, please call 800.919.1OCF (1623). Also, your trip leader will be contacting you with his phone number in case you have problems with your arrival.
Clothing
Mission work through the Orthodox Church has always been an effort to bring the Gospel of Christ to all people through meekness, and humility. Therefore everything that we do or wear represents an image of who we are. T-shirts with suggestive, crude, or derogatory language will draw negative attention to your group. Please do not bring them.
Houston's climate is on the warmer end and temperatures during the transition from Winter to Spring average around the mid to upper 60's in the day and mid to upper 40's in the evening. T-shirts may be fine during the day but make sure to have a light jacket or sweater on hand and something warm for the evenings.
What to Bring?
- A positive attitude
- Government issued Identification
- Work clothes (we suggest jeans and t-shirts)
- Work shoes
- Light sweater or jacket
- Warm clothing/ jacket for the evening
- Camera
- Sufficient clothing
- Flip-flop sandals for showers
- Personal toiletries, towel and washcloth
- Sunday church clothes nothing too dressy is required but for the guys, a button shirt and slacks and for girls, a shirt covering the shoulders and skirts or dresses.
- Bible/Spiritual Reading
- Notebook, pen, etc.
What NOT to Bring?
- Alcoholic Beverages and/or Tobacco
- Illegal Drugs (prescription/over-the-counter drugs must be kept in their original containers)
-->