SANTO DOMINGO. - Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic (HPH-RD) and Cementos Santo Domingo announced a collaborative alliance that seeks to strengthen the housing of 50 families by replacing dirt floors with concrete floors in homes in need.
The agreement signed between Félix González, general manager of Cementos Santo Domingo, and Cesarina Fabián, national director of Hábitat Dominicana, is part of the "100,000 floors to play" project and represents a significant step towards offering more Dominicans the dignity and stability they deserve in their homes.
The alliance will focus on families in the province of Azua, where 50 dirt floors in very poor condition will be replaced with polished concrete floors.
With this project, both organizations seek to improve the housing and health conditions of these families, promoting dignity and equal opportunities, a press release highlights.
“For us, it is important to reach low-income or low-income families living in vulnerable situations, prioritizing those with female heads of household, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities,” says Cesarina Fabián.
For his part, Félix González stated: “It is truly an honor for us to collaborate with Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic. Their policy of supporting those most in need makes them an indispensable partner in reaching more vulnerable families, establishing a symbiotic relationship with the social aid policies that Cementos Santo Domingo has been developing. With Habitat's support, we will be able to exponentially expand our reach to the most disadvantaged members of society. This agreement represents the first step in supporting families in the southern region of the country, beginning in the province of Azua with the construction of cement floors. This initiative not only offers a physical improvement to their homes but also promotes respect, dignity, health, and well-being for the families who benefit,” he explained.
The collaboration extends beyond construction. It also includes a training component essential for the sustainability of the impact. As part of the project, a workshop will be held for community members, including leaders and property owners, with the goal of training 65 people. This approach seeks to strengthen implementation and empower the community to maintain and care for the improvements.
The “100,000 Floors to Play” initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting progressive access to adequate and resilient housing, and is driven regionally by Habitat for Humanity Latin America in collaboration with the Inter-American Cement Federation (FICEM), and has the support of the local ally Dominican Association of Portland Cement Producers (ADOCEM).
