Maryknoll Affiliates

Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, Court 179 announces Renate Schneider (Maryknoll Affiliate - Chicago Central living and working in Haiti) will be one of the recipients of The Sister Thea Bowman Humanitarian Legacy Award to be bestowed on Saturday, March 31, 2012, Lexington House, 7717 West 95^th Street, Hickory Hills, Illinois, 12 noon – 4:00 p.m.

This award was established nineteen years ago to honor the memory of Sister Thea Bowman, whose legacy is one of commitment to excellence and selfless service to those in need. Her radiant vision, impenetrable values and inspiring vigor—even at the door of death—are the legacy she bequeathed. Therefore, this award is bestowed upon women whose lives exemplify putting others before self and service to all mankind. Renate Schneider epitomizes the mission of this award.

The idea for the housing for women project came to us after the January 2010 earth quake in Haiti. The Jeremie area itself had accommodated thousands of earthquake refugees. The most vulnerable as always were women and their children.Studies have shown that women, who own their own homes in Haiti are more able to maintain their own small businesses, and feed, clothe and educate their children. So the idea to build simple houses for women was born. To locate women who are in need of housing we work with local women's groups who will decide which woman in their area is most in need. In order for a woman to qualify she has to have title to the land, and she has to be single. Of course this does not mean she has te remain single for the rest of her life, but once she has a house nobody can put her out, she has security. Also she has to put some sweat equity into the building of the house, and the whole community is involved in transporting building material. Each house provides paid employment for about 8 people. We have built 15 houses so far and have provided short term employment for about 120 people thus putting money  into the community. Each of the houses has 3 rooms, 2 bedrooms and a livingroom/dining room. A separate latrine also comes with the house.