Housing

Generational change for families in rural Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic

Adequate Housing

For vulnerable families, adequate shelter is often beyond their means. Single mothers, those with special needs and the elderly are at an even greater disadvantage.

Building homes creates jobs, supports the local economy, and fosters dignity for families living in precarious situations.

Meet our most recent Family Partner

Meet Homeowners

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Origin Story

It is easy to recognize the severe shortage of adequate housing in rural Nicaragua. Makeshift roofs of salvaged plastic tarps cover dirt floors. Bathrooms consist of holes in the ground and showers are often taken in the open air with a bucket of water. In 2014, a woman by the name of Julia Hunt visited Nicaragua and changed the course of history.

Approach & Aspirations

Yarisleidy Cortez is our Director of Community Development and spends a lot of time in Los Robles, Nicaragua (pop. 2,100). When we started building homes, the interest and demand from the community of subsistence coffee farmers was overwhelming. To avoid any bias, Yarisleidy works closely with local community health workers to identify families that are particularly vulnerable like single mothers, the elderly, and families caring for loved ones with special needs.

How and why we build homes in 1 minute

Family partners, before and after

Homes built since 2018

Men, women and children benefitting to date

Resident of Los Robles, Nicaragua with her new stove

Home Modifications

Family Impact Projects include clean-cook ovens & stoves, concrete floors, roof repairs, secure bathing areas, and insect repellent paint. Families are selected by local community leaders and Comunidad Connect staff based on level of need and urgency of living conditions. See below for more information on the different projects.

Community mason, Guadalupe Gadea installing a concrete floor

International Volunteers have worked alongside local volunteers on 300+ community development projects

Hours invested by Local volunteers to earn clean cookstoves, concrete floors and water filters

Direct Beneficiaries- primarily women and children living in isolated communities in Nicaragua and the D.R

Concrete Floors

Many parasites are found in dirt floors of homes in rural Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. Concrete floors reduce such pests, mold growth, diarrhea, and anemia, while also improving respiratory health.Sanitary and secure floors also provide ideal space for infant “belly-time”.

Clean-Cook Ovens and Stoves

Most families in rural Nicaragua cook over an open flame, often leading to chronic illnesses such as respiratory infections, pneumonia, and asthma. Our stoves uses less wood, which save money while also funneling the smoke outside the house. Ovens provide a source of income for women who bake bread and pastries for sale.