Family turns to faith for housing hope

By Adel Fruean 22 November 2020, 12:00PM

A family of nine is praying that their modest family home made of cardboard, wood and corrugated iron will last through this year’s cyclone season.

Access to building supplies is not necessarily a problem for the Pati family. 

But access to sturdy material that can withstand the elements is; the family relies on discarded materials.

The family’s mother, Claire Pati, told the Village Voice that their family home is located away from the main road and can only be accessed via a dirt inland road.

The mother-of -five spoke to the Samoa Observer about their daily struggle to eke out a living.

“My fear is the event of a cyclone may affect Samoa and we might lose our only home,” she said.


Ms. Pati also said although her husband is employed their family still face significant financial difficulties.

“I truly appreciate my husband for working so hard to provide for us every week while I stay home and look after the children,” she said. 

“Life is not easy but I guess we have to be grateful for everything we have.

“At the moment we face many problems with our living conditions, it breaks my heart every time it rains because the roof leaks and the structure is unstable.

“But we try our best to get through any storm because that’s what families are for; they are there when you are happy or sad and when you are struggling.”

She also said that a lack of access to water was another daily struggle faced by the family. 

“We fetch water from other families that have access to [supply],” she said. 

“It is a struggle but we are thankful that they are kind to us.

“I can only dream of a new home for my children but we have to face reality daily; we survive with what we have.

“Another struggle we face is that we do not have proper bathing and toilet facilities.

“My brother and his child are also living in a small home connected to our house, and despite the large number [of people] we all help each other with everything.”

Ms. Pati said that all of her five children attend school.

If you are willing to help Ms. Pati’s family, please contact the number: 7298013.

By Adel Fruean 22 November 2020, 12:00PM

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