Thailand Employees Build Homes with Habitat For Humanity

May 15, 2015

One hundred Caterpillar employees from our two manufacturing facilities in Rayong, Thailand, became volunteers working with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for low income families in Rayong Province.

“I have been working hard all my life but was still unable to afford a real home. Having a decent home is a dream come true for my family. It is soon to be our very first home,” said one new homeowner.

The home building volunteerism project is part of our commitment to communities where Caterpillar's employees live and work. The Caterpillar Foundation invested in Habitat for Humanity Thailand for the second time. Our investment in Habitat for Humanity in Thailand last year was $100,000 and this year was $79,000. These contributions are being used to provide small loans for up to 8 years repayment term to low-income families in Rayong Province. Once the repayment from each family is completed, more families could apply for home loans from Habitat. This model is financially sustainable. More homes could be built in the near future with the contributions the Caterpillar Foundation has made.

Our volunteers’ main tasks were to mix cement for concrete flooring for the homes, build walls and install septic tanks. Everyone worked very hard that day! 

Mark Hallick, GM of Rayong Tractor Facility, said, “Building homes for deserving families in need is a great opportunity for us to contribute to our communities where we live and work.  It makes such a tangible impact on people’s quality of life.”

“We are proud to see all employees full of enthusiasm and willingness to participate in this activity. We are committed to continuing to support various community services and deliver sustainable changes for a better society,” said Brad Johnson, GM of Rayong Underground Mining Facility.

Caterpillar supports the philanthropic efforts of the Caterpillar Foundation. Founded in 1952, the Caterpillar Foundation has contributed more than $550 million to help make sustainable progress possible around the world by providing program support in the areas of environmental sustainability, access to education and basic human needs. To learn more about the global impact of the Caterpillar Foundation, please visit caterpillar.com/foundation.