El Salvador

Context at a glance

Habitat homeowner and family in Santa Ana, El Salvador – happy in their new home

In recent years, El Salvador has been struck by two natural disasters that have increased the need for housing in both urban and rural areas.

Hurricane Mitch hit the Usulután and La Paz regions and the 2001 earthquakes caused extensive damage in Usulután, La Paz, La Libertad, Cuscatlán, San Vicente and Sonsonate. 60 percent of the households affected have a total income of two minimum wages or less (£156 monthly).

El Salvador is still rebuilding homes following these disasters. The current housing deficit is 630,000 houses. That means around 51 percent of the total population are in need of decent housing (source: Vice Ministry of Housing).

Until now, local governments, state institutions and non-governmental organisations have made great efforts to provide an answer to the country's housing needs. Their support has had to be focused on those regions most affected by the disasters – so communities who were already in need before are still waiting for a safe and decent place to live.

On average, there are five members to a family, who live together in cane and mud structures. Tin sheets, cardboard, wood and plastic are also used to construct shelters. The houses lack security, hygiene and basic sanitation. And, for many families, owning a decent house is just a dream because they do not have access to bank loans.

HFH El Salvador is reaching both disaster victims and other families in extreme need.

Habitat for Humanity programme

Habitat for Humanity El Salvador began in 1992, building 29 houses in the Santa Ana region.

Currently, work is carried out through a central national office and eight branches in Santa Ana, Sonsonate, San Salvador, Cuscatlán, San Vicente, Usulután, La Paz and Cabañas. The La Libertad and Ahuchapán regions are served by neighbouring branches, meaning HFH serves 10 of the country's 14 regions.

Habitat houses are earthquake-resistant and are made from concrete blocks and reinforced steel. The roofs are made of fibre-cement sheeting and the floors of cement brick. They have two bedrooms, a living room, dining room and latrine or toilet. The windows have shutters protected by steel bars in order to provide adequate lighting, ventilation and security. They cover an area of 42 m².

Homeowners repay loans over a 10-year period, meaning that on average, families pay £19 per month.

For families who are unable to afford that level of loan repayment, there is the "progressive" model. A basic house is built, with the option of extending and improving the house in the future if the family has the resources to do so. This type of house is available in two sizes – 40 m² at a cost of £1,500 or 30 m² at a cost of £1,100.

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