Teruko resident of Kasen Transitional Shelter in Oppagawa

Teruko is 50 years old and living in Oppagawa, Japan.

In her words: “Now I am living in a transitional shelter with my husband. Our son is living alone in the next transitional shelter (about 500 meters away from our shelter). We used to live in a settlement called Nagatsura together. Our settlement disappeared entirely under the sea and our house is still inundated with 1 meter-high-water.

As we cannot return to Nagatsura any more, we are going to apply for public housing for reconstruction when it is completed. We are going to be living here until then. Since both my husband and I lost our jobs due to the disaster, my husband is supporting himself on a part-time job. I used to be involved in welfare work and I am going to be hired again when the business facility restart in April. However, I am worrying over the long distance between the shelter and the working place.

As I was bored alone at home, today I visited Ochakko-nomi (networking salon) held by JEN in the common room. I found it good because single elderly women in the neighborhood gathered together and had fun. Since there is a nice common room here, I want to make use of it on our own.”

Thank you all for your very generous donations which ensure women like Teruko have access to transitional shelters and support services!