Habitat for Humanity breaks ground
Houses are being built all over Belize in a variety of ways, by the owners, by the government, by contractors, by the Mennonites, by Center for Employment Training students, and now by Habitat for Humanity Belize. But their program is unique in that it’s a “one good turn deserves another” approach with owners helping each other make their dreams a reality. Ground breaking ceremonies were held this afternoon for the first Habitat house. The two-bedroom house, in the St. Martin De Porres area, is being funded by Habitat for Humanity Belize and will be built with the help of volunteers. The first house belongs to Ruby Nicholas and according to Habitat’s National Board Chairman, Steven Latchman, today’s kickoff is the first step towards helping more Belizeans get homes.
Steven Latchman, National Board Chairman
“To build simple, decent housing for poor people who cannot qualify, getting financial institutions like for example from the banks.
First of all one has to have building lot and a person has to have a salary within a certain bracket: no less then four hundred dollars and not more than one thousand nine hundred ninety nine dollars.
Each recipient of the house has to put in something we call “sweat equity”. And that “sweat equity” means that they have to contribute so many hours building their house and so much on another person’s house.”
Ruby Nicholas, House Recipient
“The “sweat equity” is no problem to us and my family is more than ready to help with more and other homes that are going to be built.”
Another house, belonging to Ana Castro will also be built in the St. Martins area. Everyone applying for houses through the Habitat for Humanity Program must go through a screening process, an interview and a house building training session.
