Habitat in Latin America/Caribbean: Overwhelming Need, Tremendous Opportunity

Nearly 6,200 houses were built in Habitat’s Latin America/ Caribbean area between July 1999 and June 2000—the best year ever. This increase in the tangible work of Habitat is the evidence of much work behind the scenes.

Staff and volunteers on all levels are benefiting from an education and training program, says LAC area director Torre Nelson. Personnel have been placed in Venezuela, Argentina and Chile for possible expansion, and area church involvement is mushrooming.

‘‘It’s about bridging gaps—bringing poor and wealthy together in ways that respect the talents of both,’’ Nelson says.

Challenges Faced:

• Leadership: Habitat Latin America/Caribbean needs to recruit and retain committed, competent, dynamically involved leaders.
• Participation: The area office wants to actively engage the poor while expanding opportunities for participation at all economic levels of society.
• Land: Obtaining legal title to land can be difficult.
  
  

Goals for the Future:

• Develop strategies to work with those without land in urban and rural settings.
• Develop strategic alliances with businesses and other non- governmental organizations that will complement Habitat’s work.
• Build 6,600 houses between July 2000 and June 2001.
  
  

A Call for Prayer:

• Pray that the land and finances to build 6,600 houses will be available.
  
  

--Rebekah Graydon





Reprinted from Habitat World Magazine, October/November 2000.
This article may not be reproduced in any form without permission.
©2000 Habitat for Humanity International