What do we do?
Permanent Housing and Home Improvements
Habitat El Salvador provides loans with accessible rates and terms so that low-income families can build a decent house or improve their existing home. Partner families contribute "sweat equity" on the construction site by working alongside masons and volunteers.
The houses that we build comply with the country's safety standards. The basic floor plan includes a living/kitchen/dining area, two bedrooms and either a bathroom, if sewer services are available, or an outdoor latrine. Water and electrical connections are also installed.
Through a home improvement loan, a family can transform their substandard living conditions into a decent home. Examples of home improvement projects include the installation of a new roof or floor and the construction of a bathroom or additional bedroom.
Financial Education
Habitat El Salvador offers financial education classes to partner families. The goal is to give them the tools and knowledge so that they can manage their loan successfully and improve their family finances.
Holistic Projects
Habitat El Salvador is dedicated to the holistic and sustainable development of low-income communities, as a way of helping low-income and/or landless families. In addition to housing, these special projects include components such as land, basic infrastructure, community spaces and leadership training. Our vision is to support and empower communities so that they have the capacity to satisfy their own basic needs and make their dreams come true.
Homes
Habitat El Salvador strives to reduce the country's housing deficit, which exceeds 400,000 units. Nearly one out of every two Salvadorans lives in poverty housing, whether that means houses built from sticks and mud or overcrowded conditions. This housing crisis is the result of poverty, population growth, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and tropical storms.
The homes of Habitat comply with the safety standards of the country. They are earthquake-resistant, made of concrete blocks reinforced with steel. The roof is made of sheet metal and the floor is finished with concrete tiles. The windows are glass venetian blinds protected with metal grates to offer plenty of light, ventilation, and adequate security. The average cost of the homes is $7,000.