The week has finally hit a comfortable rhythm of work, learning, and exploring. Today was our fourth day of work, it’s hard to believe it has flown by so quickly.

During our rides in the van to and from the build site and as we share meals together with the Habitat Ethiopia staff, we’ve come to understand more of the historical, economic, and political forces shaping the growth of the slums and the push and pull between tradition and modernity that people experience here. One thing everyone agrees on: everyone deserves a decent place to live.

This year marks 10 years of the Portland community financially supporting Habitat Ethiopia and the milestone of $1 million sent to provide decent housing with access to safe water and sanitation for more than 2,000 people