Nicole Poulos

Paraguay is the third poorest country in South America, and few government-funded housing assistance programs exist here. More than 1.1 million individuals suffer from extreme poverty, earning less than $1 a day. Approximately 750,000 families in Paraguay lack adequate housing, and 15,000 new homes are needed each year.

Habitat for Humanity Paraguay, founded in 1998, is working to make a positive impact on the availability of adequate, affordable housing here. During its first decade, Habitat Paraguay built more than 1,400 houses, providing decent homes for more than 7,000 people.

Each housing project is unique and adapts to the needs of the families and communities where Habitat Paraguay builds. All of Habitat Paraguay’s housing solutions — traditional homes, "progressive" homes, additions, repairs or improvements — are simple and economical and use highly durable materials, such as clay bricks, concrete floors and Spanish tile roofs. Using a variety of approaches allows Habitat Paraguay to serve more families and increase the availability of simple, decent, affordable housing.

Global Village is Habitat for Humanity’s international volunteer program. Teams travel to over 40 countries to work alongside communities, build housing solutions, and experience local culture. Our goal is to change the lives of the people we serve, as well as the lives of the volunteers.

To join a team or learn more, visit www.habitat.org/gv.

About Habitat for Humanity International 

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.