About Global Village
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.
2020 Thrivent Builds Worldwide Trip – Trinidad & Tobago
The February 2020 Thrivent Builds Worldwide Trip to Trinidad & Tobago was a success! Follow the team here!
The Republic of Trinidad & Tobago is the most southerly of a chain of islands stretching from Florida in the United States of America to Venezuela in South America, separated from Venezuela by the Gulf of Paria. The territory comprises an archipelago of more than 30 islands; the two largest inhabited islands give the country its name.
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.
