HABITAT FACTS
Date when Habitat started working in the country
1984
Individuals served in FY17
183,570*
Volunteers hosted in FY17
961
Housing solutions
New, repairs, improvements
Habitat for Humanity in Nicaragua
Habitat for Humanity Nicaragua advocates for the right to decent housing and the progressive improvement of community environments. We began our work in October 1984 and, to date, we have supported the construction of 8,580 housing solutions, improving the lives of more than 42,000 people.
For more information, visit: www.habitatnicaragua.org.
The housing need in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is one of the countries with the largest qualitative and quantitative housing deficits in the region, with a need for 20,000 new homes per year, and more than half of existing homes in need of basic services or improvements.
The total deficit includes 957,000 new housing and housing improvements. Private sector efforts and public investment cover only 50 percent of the country’s needs each year, so the de cit continues to grow.
Habitat’s contribution in Nicaragua
Habitat for Humanity Nicaragua is committed to supporting families most in need of a decent and affordable home. We promote products and services for home improvement and progressive self-building. We also provide training and technical assistance and mobilize national and international volunteers.
Building services: Habitat Nicaragua works in partnership with other stakeholders for new home construction, progressive core modules, and infrastructure for water and sanitation.
Support services for housing: Investment in construction or housing improvement should be complemented by educational processes that strengthen the families self-management capabilities for continuity and sustainability. Currently, Habitat Nicaragua provides training services in financial education, safe housing, housing laws, legal security of tenure and healthy housing.
Financial services: Through credit lines to micro finance institutions, we contribute to increasing the availability of credit for housing improvement and expansion. Habitat Nicaragua provides technical assistance in construction as an added value.
Volunteerism: Habitat Nicaragua mobilizes an average of 500 international volunteers from the United States, Canada and the Netherlands annually. At a local level, volunteering is promoted in schools, universities and companies to support construction activities, training, communication and administration.
Meet a Habitat family
Clorinda is an enterprising woman who, together with her family, developed a small business to generate income.
She lives in the city of Esteli, and thanks to Habitat Nicaragua, obtained a loan for the improvement of the business area in her home. Clorinda improved the front of the house, plastered walls, painted and changed the floor of her living room, turning this space into a cafe. Now she sells food and beverages.
“I was trained and I was taught to have order to work better. I learned to manage earnings and to keep a business running properly. I see many results, because despite it has been a short time since we opened the cafe, we already have customers,” said Clorinda.
"My neighbors are very impressed when I tell them how it was that I came to have my business. Thanks to Habitat that helped and taught me, now I like my job. I take care of people and I feel good."
What can you do?
We build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. You can help us do it with the following actions:
Donate: http://www.habitatnicaragua.org/donar/
Contact:
Email: info@habitatnicaragua.org.ni
Address: Residencial Los Robles, Zona Hippos 1c al este, ½c al sur. Casa # 12
VOLUNTEER
Join one of Global Village’s scheduled trips to Nicaragua, or organize your own. For more information, please go to: www.habitat.org/gv/catalog/lac
HABITAT’S OFFICE
To learn more about Habitat for Humanity’s programs in Nicaragua, please contact:
habitat@habitatnicaragua.org
Managua, Residencial Los Robles.
Alke Carretera Masaya,100 mts west, 25 mts south. House #12. Post O ce Box: #2236
Phone: 505-2270-1080