Housing

Housing in many parts of the world is unobtainable or primitive. Despite government and international aid to countries like Haiti and Jamaica, many portions of the Caribbean and Latin America are struggling for adequate shelter. In many of the impoverished areas where Food For The Poor serves, it is not uncommon to see families living in structures that provide inadequate protection from the elements.

Winds and rain occur frequently in these tropical environments and many times destroy the only shelter a family may have. These natural disasters include cyclones, tropical storms, hurricanes, floods, mudslides, droughts, and earthquakes that can destroy unsound homes. As a result of nature and crushing poverty, there is a staggering shortage of housing along with inadequate sanitation facilities.

The Inter-American Development bank reports that 10 to 15 million households in Latin America live in substandard housing. In addition, a lack of infrastructure and basic services like water, sewer and garbage are prevalent. Families and individuals with inadequate housing are more likely to earn less income, thus resulting in a never ending cycle of poverty.

Food For The Poor works within 17 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America to assist in the aid and prevention of poverty through housing, sanitation, water and food programs.

Throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, thousands of families lack adequate shelter. The poor often live in dilapidated shacks made of scraps of wood, metal, plastic and cardboard. This type of shelter offers little protection from the elements, insects and rodents. As a result, illness and disease are rampant, especially among those who are most vulnerable - the young and elderly. In addition, the poor who live in these conditions are particularly devastated by natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes.

Since its inception, Food For The Poor has built more than 71,000 housing units for destitute families in the Caribbean and Latin America. The homes are basic, yet safe and secure. These homes not only benefit the families receiving them, but also provide a source of much-needed work for local laborers. House designs and construction materials may vary in different countries.

In Haiti, the poor live in tents or dilapidated shacks made of cardboard, plastic, tin, or whatever materials can be scavenged from the garbage. These structures barely provide protection against the environment and children frequently fall ill from the appalling conditions. Children are dying as a result of poverty and disease, many caused by inadequate housing.

- April 2011