The homes are all variations of a design that was created by an engineer. They usually consist of a block wall that consists of several blocks above the floor level; the top half of the structure is wood framed with wood siding. The window shutters and doors are made of wood boards, which include hardware so they can be locked. Small adjustments are made based on the site; however, any major adjustments to the design are approved by an engineer. Many of our volunteers and local residents have limited construction background so procedures are highly focused on providing safety throughout the build. All structural parts of the building are inspected by our staff throughout the build to insure a safe home for our families.
There are some stipulations to see if a candidate can receive a house. First, the family must own the land on which the home will be built; the and cannot be rented or leased. This ensures that a landlord is unable to remove the family from the home. This also increases the likelihood that a family will remain in the home after it is completed. The building site is also inspected to make sure the home will be built on land that can sustain structural integrity.
The Village Mountain Mission was founded on a need for suitable housing in the rural communities of the Dominican Republic. The construction program was formed to fill this need for families in thesesmall villages. Since its founding, we have had partnered with the leaders in and around the communities to choose individuals who receive the new homes. The order in which we address these recommendations is based on where the greatest need lies. Since the mission began, almost one-hundred families have received housing.
