From the ground up: let’s floor housing poverty
Ashley is a lively and spirited four-year-old. Whizzing around on her little pink bicycle, she playfully speeds across the newly laid concrete floor inside the home in Nicaragua she shares with her grandmother, Nora. Ashley, brimming with pride as she shows off her bike skills, is eagerly bossing our photographer to capture her photo as her laughter echoes throughout the house. Until recently, Ashley’s home had a dirt floor, a constant source of mud, discomfort and disease. “It was terrible; I felt as though we practically lived in the mud,” says Nora.
At Habitat for Humanity, we believe every family deserves the chance to build a better life. One often overlooked but vital element of a decent home is quality flooring. Without a floor beneath your feet, the simple joys and everyday activities you might take for granted would become challenging. Playing with your children or grandchildren on a clean, safe surface; moving confidently through your home without fear of tripping or accidents; keeping your living space free from dust and allergens.
Dirt floors are more than just an inconvenience—they are breeding grounds for parasites and bacteria that cause devastating illnesses like diarrhoea, respiratory diseases, anaemia and malnutrition. Children are the most vulnerable to the threats caused by a lack of decent flooring as they are often crawling and playing in close contact with the ground. Their laughter and play should be filled with joy, not marred by the threat of disease. We believe it’s inhumane for people to live like this. Children should not have to live this way.
For Ashley, since having new flooring laid by Habitat for Humanity, her home has become a playground of joy and laughter. Gone are the days of muddy puddles and slippery surfaces; now, Ashley zips around on her bicycle, the smooth, clean floor providing her with the newfound freedom to explore, play, and simply be a child. Ashley’s grandmother, Nora, has noticed a remarkable change in her granddaughter. “Before, Ashley couldn’t play properly, we had to be careful where we stepped. The change in her is incredible – she’s confident and full of energy, showing off her bike and skateboard tricks to anyone who visits,” Nora shares with a smile.
The benefits extend beyond playtime, with the concrete floor, the entire household has experienced a renewed sense of dignity and pride. Nora talks about how they’ve reorganised the house, keeping it cleaner and more welcoming than ever before. “When it rained, the water from the street would turn the floor into a dirty mess. With the new floor, we no longer live in the mud. Now, we are clean; it is a joy!” she says.
Ashley’s story is a shining example of how something as fundamental as a floor can lay the foundation for a brighter, healthier future. By helping us floor housing poverty, you are not just changing homes—you are transforming lives, one family at a time.
Together, we can create a world where everyone has a decent place to live – starting from the ground up. Donate today, and with your support, we’ll floor housing poverty.