Maple Stolecki

About El Salvador

Home to almost 6 million people, El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America.

Still struggling with the consequences of a 12-year civil war and constantly affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes and tropical storms, almost 3 million Salvadorans live in inadequate housing made of sticks, mud, plastic and scraps. Since the civil war ended in 1992, El Salvador has been working to rebuild and redefine itself, looking hopefully toward the future.

Habitat for Humanity El Salvador, which has been building houses since 1992, has provided an effective response for families who lost their homes to severe earthquakes and other disasters. Concrete blocks and structural steel reinforcement makes houses earthquake-resistant. The roofs are made of fiber-cement sheeting and the floors of concrete brick. They have two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room and a latrine. Shutter-type windows are protected by steel bars, providing adequate lighting, ventilation and security. For families unable to afford the standard model, Habitat El Salvador offers a “progressive model” house that can be expanded and improved in stages.

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.