The groundbreaking ceremony to build Great Love Houses for earthquake survivors was held on the morning of September 14. Hualien County Magistrate Chen-Wei Hsu (6th from right in the front row), Jing Si Abode pure practitioner Jing Xian Lin (7th from right), and Tzu Chi Foundation CEO Po-Wen Yen (8th from right) attended the ceremony to offer their congratulations. | Photo courtesy of Jia-bin Wang | Hualien, Taiwan | 2024/09/14 

On April 3, 2024, Hualien was struck by a devastating earthquake, leaving many families without homes. For over five months, these families have faced uncertainty, but on September 14, their hopes took a step closer to reality with the groundbreaking ceremony for 108 Great Love Houses. These homes, once completed, will provide the shelter and stability that these residents have long awaited. 

The groundbreaking ceremony for Tzu Chi’s Great Love Houses brings new hope to post-earthquake Hualien. The ceremony was held under clear sunny skies, filled with optimism. | Photo courtesy of Jia-bin Wang | Hualien, Taiwan | 2024/09/14 

The groundbreaking ceremony was a momentous occasion, attended by Hualien County Magistrate Chen-wei Hsu, Tzu Chi Foundation CEO Po-Wen Yen, Deputy CEO George Chang, and 88 Tzu Chi volunteers. The atmosphere was filled with hope as the residents, witnessing the start of construction, saw a glimpse of their future—one filled with safety and relief. 

One of the registered residents, Sheng-hui Wu, shared his emotions, “I come here three times a day to see the progress. I’m truly happy because this means we can have a stable home for at least two years. With so many people helping us, I am determined to stay strong and encourage others to move forward.” His granddaughter often accompanies him on these visits, symbolizing the hope that future generations will live in a safe and secure environment.  

In a letter of blessing, Master Cheng Yen sent her sincere blessings and support to the residents, encouraging them to remain resilient in the face of adversity. She emphasized that Hualien, the birthplace of Tzu Chi, holds a special place in their hearts. While Tzu Chi’s work may be visible through the construction, the real foundation lies in the strength and determination of the people rebuilding their lives after the disaster. 

This project follows a cooperation agreement signed between Tzu Chi and the Hualien County Government on June 2. The county government provided the land for Tzu Chi Foundation to construction of a five-story residential complex. The building complex will include a community center, parking spaces for cars and motorcycles, and elevators. The location offers convenient access to transportation and amenities. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation 

The five-story residential complex, funded by Tzu Chi Foundation, will serve as transitional housing for two years, providing 144 units, including 112 studio apartments and 32 two-bedroom homes. CEO Po-Wen Yen stated, “Master Cheng Yen wanted to build permanent homes from the very beginning.” The goal is to provide sturdy buildings where residents can feel safe and secure while waiting for their permanent homes to be completed. 

The first Great Love House built for an elderly care recipient, Mr. A-pao Li with , Master Cheng Yen presided over the groundbreaking ceremony on November 1, 1967. At that time, the land was donated by Rong-hua Zhang, the station master of Ji’an Railway Station. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation

As the groundbreaking ceremony unfolded, it was a poignant reminder of the many acts of kindness that have helped residents rebuild their lives. Tzu Chi’s commitment to providing safe havens for those in need dates back to 1967 when they built a small house for 81-year-old Mr. A-pao Li, who lived alone in Hualien. Despite financial constraints, Master Cheng Yen decided to build a home for Mr. Li, ensuring he had a safe place to live. This act of kindness marked the beginning of Tzu Chi’s long-standing tradition of compassion and support for the vulnerable. 

Master Cheng Yen could not bear to see the blind Mr. A-Pao Li living alone in a thatched hut on the banks of the Mugua River in Hualien, where he had to cook and fend for himself. She decided to build a safe house for him. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation 

While the homes may still be under construction, the quake residents of Hualien already find solace in knowing they are not alone. The progress on the Great Love Houses represents not only a physical rebuilding but also the strength and unity of a community determined to overcome disaster. 

 

(Written by: Tzu Chi Foundation)