Habitat Dominicana facilitated access to housing loans for 2,870 families during 2023.
SANTO DOMINGO – Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic impacted more than 17,500 people in 2023 by building or repairing homes, providing over 3,500 housing solutions. Together with donors, partners, and volunteers, they improved the lives of those living in vulnerable conditions across the country.
“This year has left its mark on the power of collaboration and solidarity. Together, we have created a lasting impact on the lives of so many people, and these figures are not just statistics, they are stories of hope and transformation,” said Cesarina Fabian, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic.
Through collaboration and donor support, Habitat was able to replace around 500 dirt or damaged floors with concrete floors, thus enabling families to experience a significant improvement in their health and the cognitive development of their children.
“This project, specifically, is part of the regional initiative ‘100,000 Floors for Play’ by Habitat for Humanity and the Inter-American Cement Federation (FICEM). In the Dominican Republic, it has been made possible thanks to the support of the Dominican Portland Cement Association (ADOCEM) and donations from: ALPLA, ADOZONA, Ágora Mall’s Tree of Hope, Autozama, Bancalari Insurance Brokers, Banco Popular Dominicano, Cementos Cibao, and the Consular Corps accredited in the Dominican Republic,” a press release highlights.
One of the beneficiary families. (External source).
He adds that Panam, Ferquido, Grupo Cometa, Grupo Multiquímica, Novus PLAZA Hodelpa, Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando, Hormigones del Atlántico, Font Gamundi, Headrick, La Antillana Comercial, IMCA, Kinnox, Reid y Compañía, RE/MAX República Dominicana, SEABOARD, United Capital Puesto de Bolsa, among other donors, volunteers and allies who have joined the initiative, have also contributed.
Housing financing
In addition to the construction and improvement of homes, the press release explains, Habitat Dominicana facilitated access to housing loans for 2,870 families during 2023, mobilizing more than US$10,000,000 for adequate housing, together with the organization's financial partners such as Banco ADEMI, Banco ADOPEM, Banco BHD, Coop-Aspire, Esperanza Internacional and Visión Fund República Dominicana.
"Regarding volunteering, both Dominicans and foreigners donated a total of 2,536 hours to contribute to the well-being of families and communities, showing their tireless effort, which was fundamental to the success of our initiatives and the realization of the 2nd edition of Women Build."
Another major achievement cited by the organization last year was the training of more than 700 families on topics such as financial education, healthy housing, strengthening community resilience through the development of emergency plans, housing studies, and training for master builders and in risk reduction with institutions, governments and local mayoral offices in more than 22 communities in El Seibo, Hato Mayor, San Cristóbal and San Pedro de Macorís.
Additionally, it completed more than 230 housing solutions, including complete homes, home improvements and repairs, and community infrastructure projects. This was made possible through partnerships with organizations such as the Romana-Bayahibe Hotel Association, ACOPROVI, Cementos Argos Dominicana, Nature Power Foundation, EGEPC, UNDP, SELAVIP, Seattle Foundation-Starbucks Dominicana, Whirlpool Latin America, and World Vision, among others.
As the organization celebrates its achievements, they are planning a 2024 full of projects and work focused on continuing to build or improve homes for families in need.
“We invite more people to join our cause. The needs in our communities are ever-increasing, and every new hand and heart committed strengthens our impact; whether through donations, volunteering time, or simply sharing our story, your contribution can make a difference,” Fabian concluded.
