Ecuador

Context at a glance

These types of structure are built as temporary shelters but often become permanent homes!

Only 67 percent of households in Ecuador own their own home according to the Statistics Institute and the 2001 census in Ecuador. 18 percent of the population lives in inadequate substandard housing, out of a total population of 12 million inhabitants. Low-income families cannot access homebuyer loans that offer realistic payment plans and meet their needs. They also face instability of income due to the difficult employment situation in Ecuador.

The migration of indigenous rural populations to urban areas is worsening the housing situation in cities. Health problems are aggravated by overcrowded homes and lack of sanitation. Since access to jobs and decent housing is limited, people build homes which are little more than shacks on the outskirts of cities. Roofs and walls are made of tin, zinc, cardboard, plastic and any reusable material or waste material that can help provide shelter.

61 percent of the national population lives below the poverty line – 46 percent in urban areas and 86 percent in rural areas. 32 percent of the national population lives in extreme poverty – 18 percent urban and 54 percent rural.

The government and other organisations have much to do in providing drinking water, sewage systems, electricity, schools, communication services and healthcare.

Habitat for Humanity programme

Habitat houses are usually built of cement blocks, iron and cement, and in some areas bricks are used. These materials are strong and durable. It takes two months on average to build a house.

HFH Ecuador has designed houses to meet a family's basic needs, keeping in mind the number of family members. Habitat partner families can choose from a number of options.

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