Housing need in Honduras
Honduras is one of the poorest and least developed countries in Latin America, with nearly two-thirds of Hondurans living in poverty. Before 1998, Honduras had shown moderate economic growth as a result of government reforms. Nevertheless, after losing US$3 billion due to Hurricane Mitch, Honduras’ economy is still in the process of recovery. The agriculture sector, responsible for most exports, was the worst affected. Mitch also caused more than 6,000 deaths and left 8,085 missing and 75,000 homeless.

After the Hurricane Mitch tragedy, the housing deficit percentage increased from 63 percent in March 1998 to 66 percent in March 1999, representing an increase of 165,000 houses.

Habitat for Humanity in Honduras
Habitat for Humanity’s work in Honduras began in Santa Cruz de Yojoa, Cortés in the Yure River valley in 1988. There are now five regional offices reaching more than 50 communities.

Model projects
Habitat for Humanity Honduras supports several initiatives, in addition to traditional home construction.

Healthy homes for Chortí: This project provides housing improvements, complete homes and health-education; the combination which significantly decreases the risk of Chagas disease and respiratory illness in a highly vulnerable community.

Financial education: This project is aimed at educating and accompanying partner families in the planning and administration of their home economy. The manuals and methodology used are the result of a project designed by Habitat for Humanity International and financed by Citi Foundation. Through a series of workshops, families learn to administer their income and expenses, and learn to design a budget, analyze and control their expenses, and follow a savings plan. Families are also informed about the risks and advantages of taking out loans with Habitat for Humanity or other organizations.

Complete houses: In addition to the projects above, Habitat for Humanity Honduras continues to build complete homes. Homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, helping to build their houses and the houses of others, together with volunteers. Their monthly payments go into a Local Rotating Fund, which allows the construction of new homes.

Learn more about Habitat for Humanity in Latin America and the Caribbean.