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Esperanza International’s Housing Improvement Department provides our associates the opportunity to improve their living conditions through our microfinance services. We believe inadequate housing promotes hopelessness, creates instability for families, and increases the risks of disease. Therefore, the Housing Improvement Department’s mission is to provide dignity, stability, and health through adequate housing. Building on Esperanza’s microfinance services, the Housing Improvement Department provides financing and construction advice to achieve sustainable Human Development & Transformation.
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WHY CREATE A HOME IMPROVEMENT DEPARTMENT?
In the Dominican Republic it is estimated that over 55% of the people live in inadequate housing consisting of dirt floors and unsafe make-shift shacks. Many of our associates lack adequate housing exposing their families to hopelessness, instability, and disease. As our associates’ businesses grow many start investing in their homes. Over the years, we encouraged our associates to improve their living situation and concentrated on business loans. However, without proper financing our associates renovate their homes piece by piece. Esperanza knew we could help and believing we provide more than a loan we created the Housing Improvement Department. It combines Esperanza’s microfinance services and our newly hired construction team, and helps our associates finance home renovations at low interest rates. We provide advice and financing for renovations, while our associates contract the work and organize the renovation.
TEN BENEFITS OF ADEQUATE HOUSING
- Dignity
Home ownership is a tremendous source of pride for individuals. We seek to restore dignity with each renovation.
- Health
Lack of adequate structure exposes families to many diseases and health problems.
- Stability
An adequate structures provides families with a stable environment of love and comfort. Esperanza believes a Home is more than just a roof over your head!
- Privacy
An adequate structure provides our associates with tremendous privacy.
- Bathrooms
Personal bathrooms eliminate public latrine systems that pollute local communities and degrade citizens
- Personal Wealth Creation
We believe our clients are investing in their Homes! By increasing the value of their home, many associates experience a tremendous increase in individual wealth. Their home is now an asset promoting sustainable personal wealth.
- Local and National Economic Benefits
Both local and national economies benefit from adequate housing. Investing in homes provides construction jobs, improved sanitary conditions, and health of its citizens. Adequate structures help address political issues such as voting rights and taxes.
- Infrastructure Development
Esperanza is helping Dominicans invest in their own infrastructure to help create a prosperous future.
- Social Issues
Inadequate structures lead to children spending more time in the streets, which can lead to crime. Children also lack a place to study and learn after school.
- Prevents Urbanization
Dominicans are moving to the cities at alarming rates setting up shanty towns outside of major cities. Esperanza seeks to stop this alarming trend by promoting adequate housing and business in their communities.
HOW ARE PARTNER FAMILIES SELECTED?
All families must be an established associate of our microcredit program. The eligibility of each family depends on the following:
- Need- The renovation must improve their dignity, stability, and health.
- Ability to repay the loan- Each associate must generate enough income for their business loan and their home improvement loan.
- Commitment to uphold the integrity and vision of Esperanza’s ministry.
HOW ARE DONATIONS USED?
All donations received by the Housing Improvement Department fund small, long-term, low interest rate loans for established associates of Esperanza. These loans enable our associates to dramatically improve their living situations. Esperanza’s Housing Improvement Department personally validates each associates’ housing need, ability to repay on time, and commitment to uphold the integrity and vision of Esperanza’s ministry.
HOW YOU CAN HELP?
Esperanza is proud to offer different levels of sustainable gifts that provide protection and shelter for generations!
- Building Blocks- Start an associate’s dream!
- Firm Foundation- Eliminate a family’s dirt floor FOREVER!
- Homes of Hope- Adopt a local Dominican village with your church or organization!
HOMES OF HOPE - VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Forming a relationship with our Homes of Hope program provides a unique opportunity for your church or organization to create lasting meaningful impact in a Dominican neighborhood.
HOW IT WORKS
- Esperanza establishes a partnership between your church or organization and a Dominican neighborhood depending on your mission and commitment.
- Members of your organization raise finances to travel and renovate Homes of Hope in your Dominican neighborhood.
- Members of your organization and the neighborhood work side-by-side together for a week improving associates’ living situations through various construction projects. Your organization provides dignity, stability, and health to your neighborhood through renovations and emotional support. It is exhausting and dirty work, but it is a life changing cultural experience. Often, powerful lasting friendships are formed between participants.
- We hope your organization’s or church’s commitment to your neighborhood continues with annual service trips to change the lives of Dominican families. For more information please email
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