SANTO DOMINGO – The housing deficit in the Dominican Republic is not limited to a shortage of new construction, but rather centers on the precariousness of existing homes. According to reports from organizations such as UN-Habitat, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the lack of basic services and decent living conditions is greater and more pressing than the quantitative deficit.
In the region, these studies demonstrate that the main challenge is improving homes that lack essential elements such as safe bathrooms, concrete floors, roofs in good condition, and access to potable water. This reality is consistent with the report from the Dominican Association of Housing Builders and Developers (ACOPROVI), which indicates that of the 20,000 units by which the country's housing deficit grows annually, 15,000 correspond to improvements and renovations.
According to the UN-Habitat report "Inclusive Cities, Caring Communities," published in 2021 and conducted in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and the Dominican Republic, in Greater Santo Domingo inadequate housing conditions are concentrated in municipalities surrounding the National District, with between 30% and 50% of homes suffering from structural deficiencies and located in high-risk areas. Furthermore, between 22% and 27% of households in this area are overcrowded.
“Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic has focused its strategy on directly addressing this challenge. Our work centers on improvement and repair projects that transform the lives of families, aligning with the real needs documented by international organizations,” says Cesarina Fabián, National Director of the organization in the country, which, to date, has achieved more than 55,000 housing solutions, directly impacting 275,000 people in 18 provinces, prioritizing the quality of life of families.
The power of a new bathroom: Madelin's story
The testimony of Madelin, a 26-year-old housewife from Sabana Grande de Boyá, in Monte Plata, perfectly illustrates the impact of this work. For six years, Madelin and her family lived without a bathroom in their home, having to rely on a neighbor to relieve themselves. "Before, I didn't have a bathroom; I had to go to a neighbor's house to do my business, and I bathed outside," she recounts.
Thanks to the support of Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic, she now has a new bathroom, a change that has transformed her home. “Hygiene in my house has changed,” she says. “Now I can bathe my children with ease and clean my bathroom. I keep it clean.” This story demonstrates that a simple yet vital solution not only provides infrastructure but also restores the health, safety, and dignity of families.
The work of Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic is a model for addressing the housing challenge from a qualitative perspective, demonstrating that investing in improving existing conditions is a fundamental step in building a fairer and more equitable future for all Dominicans.
