HABITAT FACTS
Date when Habitat started working in the country
1998
Individuals served in FY17
11,070
Volunteers hosted in FY17
544
Housing solutions
New, rehab, repairs, improvements
Habitat for Humanity in Paraguay
Since 1998, Habitat for Humanity Paraguay has been working with families to attain better housing conditions and improve their lives. For more information, visit: www.habitat.org.py.
The housing need in Paraguay
According to the National Department of Housing, it is estimated that 1.1 million houses are required in Paraguay, and that number is increasing. An estimated 43 out of every 100 families live in inadequate housing conditions, according to the Inter-American Development Bank.
The figures show that the deficits are primarily qualitative, both in urban and rural areas. Demand for housing improvement is an important part of the qualitative deficit (73 percent); the rest is demand for expansion or demand for expansion with improvements.
Unfortunately, the lack of updated official information regarding the de cit makes it di cult to measure the problem. However, it is known that progressive construction is the primary way in which Paraguayan families have access to their homes.
Habitat’s contribution in Paraguay
Throughout its history, Habitat for Humanity Paraguay has implemented actions that transform the housing conditions of families and vulnerable communities, mobilizing resources and promoting solidarity and responsibility.
Housing solutions
Habitat Paraguay partners with families who, despite having a place to live, suffer from problems such as water filtrations, overcrowding, bad electrical connections, and no sanitation.
Technical assistance for repairs, renovations and expansions, as well as access to the project “Together for Your Home,”, is offered for those applying for new housing construction.
Events
During the year, we promote ash constructions to raise awareness and mobilize volunteers. We encourage the participation of families, businesses, suppliers and volunteers who enjoy helping others and understand the need for decent and affordable housing.
Volunteerism
Each year, six or seven international groups are mobilized through Habitat’s Global Village volunteer program, along with 10 to 12 national groups that help in the construction of housing solutions. In communities, volunteer committees coordinate briefings in their neighborhoods. In addition, administrative volunteers also work in the offices for short periods of time.
Services to access a home
We promote the work of local leaders, in towns, neighborhood committees, schools, churches, businesses, NGOs, etc., to advocate for decent housing and reach families who need new homes or improve the conditions of those who already have one.
Meet a Habitat family
Darío and Patricia lived with their daughter Jimena in Dario’s father’s house. After learning about the options offered by Habitat for Humanity Paraguay, they decided to materialize their dream of being independent and build a house of their own. In partnership with 14 foreign volunteers, they were able to build the foundations for their home.
At the moment of the construction the family expressed being very satisfied for having the help of volunteers who, besides creating friendly ties, collaborated in making sure the work progressed rapidly.
“This is an opportunity you hardly nd somewhere else, having someone o er you a house with rental-like payments,” said Darío.
What can you do?
We build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. You can help us do it with the following actions:
Donate: www.habitat.org.py
Volunteer:
Join one of Global Village’s scheduled trips to Paraguay or organize your own brigade. For more information, please visit: www.habitat.org/gv/catalog/lac
HABITAT’S OFFICE
To learn more about Habitat’s programs in Paraguay, please contact:
Mary Lechenuk / Executive Director
mlisnichuk@habitat.org.py
+0981-491993
Raquel Bertran / Resource Development Director
raquelb@habitat.org.py
+0971-974207
