An estimated 80 percent of Guatemala's population lives in poverty, with 50 percent of these in extreme poverty. The country is prone to earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters, so houses are designed to be disaster resistant with concrete floors and block walls. Habitat Guatemala has been very productive; since beginning work in 1979, more than 18,000 houses have been built. *House sponsorship: U.S.$2,822. *House sponsorship costs fluctuate.