Habitat, UA hand over home to Grove family
By Jaime Hall
Guyana Chronicle
October 30, 2003
Habitat for Humanity, in collaboration with Universal Airlines, yesterday handed over a low-income home to the Parris family at Grove new housing scheme. The home, a one-flat building, was made mainly of concrete.
Carol Parris, the owner of the new home yesterday said she was very thankful for the work of Habitat for humanity and also Universal Airlines that has jointly sponsored the project.
As a requirement the homeowner would usually have to put in some self-help labour on the project. Paris worked for about 250 hours as part of her contribution.
She also commended Universal Airlines for getting on board with Habitat and said the project needs such corporate support to help provide homes for those who cannot afford one.
The Airline's Senior Vice President Mr. Harribhajan Persaud in his comments said he was please with the company's involvement and said there is still a far way to go in providing homes for the needy.
He said once Habitat continues to get support from corporate partners much could be achieved.
The new low- income home that was built by Habitat for Humanity in collaboration with Universal Airlines at Grove new housing scheme East Bank Demarara. The homeowner, Carol Parris (third from left) stands in front row among Habitat for Humanity and Universal Airline representatives.
Habitat builds simple houses with families and local and international volunteers. The organization accepts donations in gifts in kind and cash.
Houses are sold to families, financed through long-term mortgages without interest and making no profit. Monthly payments are put into the "Fund for Humanity", which is used to build more houses in each community.
Sponsorship for one house is $1.3 million, but a family pays about $950,000 this the homeowner pays over a 15-year period.
Habitat is now working to reduce the amount the homeowner pays by making the building project more efficient.
Since the programme began in 1995 Habitat built over 200 houses, providing shelter for more than 1000 people.