Until about a year ago, Ramon’s life was quiet. His village in the Philippines was quiet, he lived on his own, and friendly chats with neighbours were the liveliest part of his day. As a widower with no children, he often felt lonely and unsupported.
Then came Typhoon Uwan in November 2025. Winds howled, rain poured down, and the elderly Ramon quivered in his home. When it had passed, he saw holes torn through his roof, a crumbled wall, soaked floors, and all of his few possessions destroyed. He felt that he had no means to recover and no-one to turn to.
He described his despair to Samar sponsor site staff. He wondered whether he’d never again have a roof over his head. ““I thought I would never have a safe home again,” he says.
Thanks to everyone who supported Chalice’s Typhoon Uwan disaster relief fund, he didn’t wonder long. With the support, he bought materials for roofing, walls, and any material he needed to rebuild his home. Members from a local Chalice family circle came forward with willing hearts and helping hands. They came day after day to clear debris and hammer new roofs and walls.
“They did not just repair what was broken,” says Maricel, Samar site director, “they built it stronger, firmer, so it could stand firm against the next storm, just for him. Neighbors who had little of their own gave their time and strength, turning a pile of wreckage back into a home.”
Ramon now feels secure and safe at home, he also feels secure in the embraces of his community. He now joins Chalice family circle meetings, and the Samar team can tell he no longer feels alone and adrift.
“Thank you,” he says, “for remembering an old man like me. Thank you to my friends who built this place with their own two hands.”Back to School Across Our Sites: Where and When the School Bell Rings