Habitat For Humanity to build 800 homes in the Philippines

The Philippines was left in ruins after Typhoon Haiyan hit and now Habitat for Humanity is stepping in to offer its services.

According to the Huffington Post, Habitat for Humanity has pledged to build more than 800 homes. The typhoon hit the Philippines back in November and destroyed more than 1 million homes.

The Associated Press reported that the storm claimed more than 6,000 lives and displaced more than 16 million people. The estimated cost of rebuilding houses, schools, roads and bridges may top $5 million, according to Reuters.

Habitat for Humanity hopes to curb the cost by building 852 homes in one of the most damaged areas, Tacbolan. For the time being, the nonprofit organization is in the Philippines handing out emergency shelter and repair kits.

The people of the Philippines need all the help they can get as a recent Pew Research Center for the People & the Press study showed there was a decline in American engagement in relief for the Philippines in comparison to other recent natural disasters.

CNN reported that Americans donated $33 million after the typhoon hit the Philippines. Back in 2010, Americans donated over $300 million to Haiti after an earthquake hit the island.

Sandra Miniutti, vice president, marketing and CFO of Charity Navigator has inkling as to what sparked the decline. Miniutti says Americans may have been preoccupied with other issues, including the Midwest tornadoes and the 2013 holiday season.