Habitat assists Belizean families

There are many families who are living in deplorable conditions throughout Belize. Most of them cannot afford proper housing. However, one organization has been coming to the assistance of many of these families, by providing them with homes. News Five caught up with one of the new homeowners.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

The last time we saw Dawna Beaton was in June. At that time Beaton was busy helping to construct her two bedroom concrete house, which was made possible thanks to Habitat For Humanity Belize. In 1999, the international Christian organization established a branch in Belize to build homes for families who are in need of decent shelter.

Mirna Paul, Nat’l Coordinator, Habitat For Humanity Belize

“Because there was a need for housing, decent and affordable houses, especially for people that are not able to afford the commercial institutions, that’s why we did it.”

To date the organization has built three houses and by the end of their fiscal year in 2001, hope to have constructed a total of eight homes. This past weekend, Beaton proudly moved into her new home on Reggae Street. She says the experience of helping to build her own home has been very rewarding.

Dawna Beaton, Homeowner

“It is a good experience. We mixed cement, stuck the blocks, carried blocks, we did all the painting, we picked out own paint and different things.”

Kenrick Logan, Construction Supervisor

“Well, the construction is done to a standard that Habitat has. We build with the weather in mind, hurricanes and that sort of stuff. So we really do a good solid construction. Everything is inspected and re-inspected to make sure that it is done right. Our building standard has to be approved by our office in Costa Rica before we can start a house here in Belize.”

On Sunday, Habitat for Humanity will be officially handing over another house to Joyce Martinez at Mahogany Street Extension behind the administrative building.

If you would like more information on how to apply for a home from Habitat For Humanity, you can contact the Belize office at telephone number 76818.