Since April 2023, we have been “HoffnungsBAUer” Landmarken and are thus part of Habitat for Humanity’s initiative, which brings together companies from the construction and real estate industries to support people in need. The vision: Everyone should have a safe, sustainable, and affordable home.
Following on from last year, when two of our colleagues traveled to Warsaw to help create housing for Ukrainian refugees, our colleagues Benedikt Schlicht and Peter Eichelmann recently visited Zemeş, Romania. In one of Europe’s poorest regions, they helped build a new semi-detached house for two families in need. Peter Eichelmann —who works as a commercial project manager at Landmarken—has shared his experiences with us.
The housing situation in Romania is among the most challenging in the EU: 5.5 million people need housing renovations, over 41 percent live in overcrowded conditions, and 21 percent do not have access to a bathroom with running water. In the municipality of Zemeş in Bacău County, over a third of adults live in relative poverty.
Diary
Inhalt
Day 1
Flight to Bucharest and arrival in Zemeş
"Benedikt and I arrived safely in Romania and were warmly welcomed. Our group consists of nine volunteers, as well as Eda from HoffnungsBAU in Cologne and Viktor, the local coordinator.
The construction site is the best-organized one I’ve ever seen. There are clean restrooms, washing areas, common areas, and a well-equipped kitchenette. We’ve met the local craftsmen and the families who will eventually move in. The partner families are actively helping with the construction of the houses.
The shell of the duplex (concrete foundation, wood-frame construction, roof with potential for expansion) was already erected last week by a group of 45 people. A concrete walkway is to be built around the house. Benedikt and I helped today to clear the area, build and assemble formwork, and prepare the rebar. Tomorrow the concrete will be mixed and poured. In addition, we helped cover the interior walls with drywall and fill in the uneven spots."
Day 2
After a hard day's work
"Benedikt and I are lying flat on our beds, exhausted. This morning we installed drywall panels overhead on the ceiling—a job that can only be done as a team. In the afternoon, we mixed concrete.
Three buckets of water, two bags of cement, and 50 shovelfuls of sand and gravel make four wheelbarrows of concrete, which we spread out to create the path around the house. We repeated this countless times. The mood is good; we talk and laugh a lot together. Now we’re turning off the lights."
Day 3
My limbs are getting heavy
"All day long, Benedikt and I carried drywall sheets into the house, cut them to size, and screwed them to the wall. We both came to the conclusion that we don't see our professional future in the drywall trade."
Day 4
Tired bones, great joy
"We're entering the home stretch; tomorrow is our last day of work here in Zemes.
This morning, it was quite hard for us to get started. The unfamiliar physical labor is taking its toll. Stiff and sore from the day before, we drag ourselves out of bed and make our way to breakfast and then to the bus.
Once we arrived at the construction site, our motivation and spirits soared instantly. The partner families welcomed us and were happy to have our support. ‘Building hope’—that’s why we’re here. It fills us with great satisfaction. Already, the work feels easier again.
Today’s agenda included removing the formwork from the concrete, sealing the foundation, and cleaning up. During the lunch break, Benedikt and I took a short stroll through the neighboring residential area.
The streets are made of gravel. Typically, the single-story buildings have one living floor, while the high hipped roof is used for storage. Often, the toilet and a chicken coop are located in the garden. Many of the very simple houses appear to stand empty. A great many Romanians—including people from this part of the country—work abroad. It all seems very bleak."
Day 5
An emotional farewell
"Our work week in Zemes ends with a small farewell party. There is cake and non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Alongside Victor, the local coordinator for “Habitat for Humanity,” Michail, one of the fathers from the two partner families, gives a short speech. It is a very emotional moment for him. Until now, he has been living with his family of four in a small apartment with relatives. Michail thanks us for our efforts. In a few weeks, he and his family will be able to move into their new home.
Benedikt and I are heading back home tomorrow. Grateful for the experience, but also for the realization of just how well off we actually are, we’re looking forward to being home. We had a wonderful, busy, and enriching time in Romania and met many nice people."
