Habitat’s Global Impact

The 2020 Global Village team on the build site in Trinidad

The 2020 Global Village team on site in Trinidad.

Volunteer internationally to build decent, affordable shelter alongside members of the community. Learn about poverty housing, development challenges and Habitat’s ministry and mission to help eradicate them. The funds you raise help build decent shelter in the country you visit and support the Global Village program.

Statistics released by the nation’s Ministry of Housing showed that for the period between 2010 to 2015, the number of housing units needed for low-income families was 104,000. The housing demand stems mainly from the growth in population. The annual additional need is some 5000 units, with the public and private sectors combined accounting for a little over 2700 units per annum. The major factors that prevent the low income earner from homeownership are varied, but usually include unwillingness by financial institutions to finance mortgages for this income bracket, as there are risks related to unstable employment and therefore, the ability to pay. The spiraling costs of houses and land, as well as a lack of certified ownership of inherited land, are other barriers for families living in inadequate conditions.