Safe Housing Liberia Project #63953

Building Sustainable Homes for Poor Families

by Civic Village International

Project Report | Dec 27, 2024
Report on Building Sustainable Homes for Poor Families

By Binta Koffa | Project Leader and Resource Planner

Introduction
Housing insecurity remains a significant challenge for many low-income families, often forcing them to live in inadequate shelters that fail to provide safety and stability. In response, an initiative was launched to build affordable, sustainable homes that cater to the needs of these families while utilizing eco-friendly materials. With a budget of 480 CAD, this project focuses on creating cost-effective housing, with each home costing 138 CAD to build. This report highlights the progress made and the positive impact on the families who will benefit.

Project Implementation
The project utilizes locally sourced and sustainable materials, such as stabilized compressed earth bricks, to construct homes that are both durable and environmentally friendly. The homes are designed to provide basic necessities, including adequate ventilation and insulation, to ensure comfort for families. Local labor is employed during the construction process, fostering community involvement and providing temporary employment opportunities.

Impact on Families
The project’s current funding allows for the construction of three homes. Each of these homes will provide a secure and stable environment for families who have struggled with substandard housing. The immediate impact on these families includes:

Improved Safety: Families now have shelters that protect them from harsh weather and environmental hazards.
Enhanced Health: Proper ventilation and sanitation reduce exposure to harmful elements, improving overall health outcomes.
Increased Stability: A permanent home provides a foundation for families to focus on education, employment, and long-term well-being.

For one family, the new home means no longer worrying about the rainy season destroying their fragile shelter. Another family will finally have a space where children can study and grow in a secure environment. These transformations underscore the significance of affordable housing in breaking the cycle of poverty.

Challenges Addressed
By using cost-effective construction methods and prioritizing sustainability, the project demonstrates how limited resources can have a meaningful impact. The initiative also addresses environmental concerns by reducing reliance on conventional building materials and incorporating renewable resources.

Conclusion
This project serves as a tangible example of how small-scale interventions can create significant improvements in the lives of low-income families. By providing secure and sustainable housing, it empowers families to build a better future while fostering environmental responsibility. The initiative has already positively impacted three families, offering them stability, dignity, and a chance to thrive.

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Aug 14, 2024
Sustainable Homes for Impoverished Families Update

By Binta Koffa | Director and Project Leader

Date: August 13, 2024

Dear GlobalGiving Donors,

We are excited to share the latest developments from our initiative aimed at providing sustainable housing solutions to impoverished peri-urban and rural families in Liberia. Thanks to your generous support, we have made significant strides in empowering communities with the skills and knowledge needed to build climate-safe, durable homes using local materials.

Project Overview

Our project focuses on training families in sustainable construction techniques, enabling them to build homes that are both environmentally friendly and resilient to the effects of climate change. These homes are designed to reduce reliance on carbon-intensive materials like cement and steel, thus contributing to a more sustainable future for Liberia.

Recent Progress

Funding Allocation:

Out of the total $482,971 donated to this project, $200 has been allocated to provide sustainable construction training to two impoverished peri-urban families in Liberia. This targeted funding will cover the cost of materials, tools, and training sessions led by experienced local builders.

Impact:

The training will empower these families with the knowledge and skills to construct climate-safe, durable homes using locally sourced materials. These homes are not only more affordable but also more resilient to extreme weather conditions such as rainstorms and heat waves that are becoming increasingly common due to climate change.

Community Engagement:

We have engaged local community leaders and stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative. By involving the community in the training process, we aim to create a ripple effect, where more families will be inspired and equipped to build their own sustainable homes.

Next Steps:

Completion of Training: The training sessions are scheduled to begin in 2025 and will run for approximately three months. During this time, the two selected families will receive hands-on training and support to build their homes.
Monitoring and Evaluation: We will closely monitor the progress of the construction process and provide ongoing support to the families. Regular updates will be shared with our donors to keep you informed of the project's impact on creating Liberia's first carbon-neutral community.

Gratitude

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our GlobalGiving donors. Your contributions are making a tangible difference in the lives of these families, providing them with the opportunity to live in safe, sustainable homes. This initiative would not be possible without your continued support.

We look forward to sharing more updates as the project progresses and witnessing the positive impact of your generosity on these communities.

Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey.

With deep appreciation,

Binta Koffa

Director of Civic Village International

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