Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago (HFHTT) was started in 1997, under the umbrella of the Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life (FEEL) by former Minister of Education of Trinidad and Tobago, Clive Pantin, as a national affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International of Americus, Georgia. Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago completed its first house within that same year using funds donated by the British High Commission, Ingrid Guerra of Guaico and her two children were the recipients.  Since then, HFHTT has built 116 houses in many areas of the country, including Guaico, Mayaro, Gasparillo, Couva, Penal, and Tabaquite, thereby contributing in a significant way to the eradication of poverty housing in the country.

Structured as a non-governmental organization (NGO), HFHTT, now with its head office at Real Value Complex in Mount Lambert, has a General Assembly, a National 12-member Board of Directors and six full time salaried staff members. A decision was made to request of the President of the Republic, then His Excellency Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson to function as the patron of the organization. A request to which he graciously consented, the current The President of Trinidad & Tobago, His Excellency George Maxwell Richards now ably executes that function. HFHTT organizational structure was changed in 2005 to allow for the formation of an advisory board, which is co-chaired by another former president of the country Sir Ellis Clarke.

Through the work of Habitat, many low-income families in the country have been able to access affordable housing thereby improving their standard of living. This has all been made possible through Habitat’s partnership with Churches, community groups, corporate sponsors and other philanthropically minded individuals and organizations. Making it possible for it to go a long way towards achieving its goal of “more than houses.”  
 

Habitat’s Strategic Direction 2006-2011

• To raise its profile nationally.
• To form alliances with key Government Agencies, private sector, community-based and non-profit organizations.
• To increase its volunteer and skills pool.
• To partner with community and social groups to identify and train potential home owners.
• To consistently reduce house costs to HFHTT to be able to build more units.
• To improve the mortgage portfolio management.
• To increase efficiency in house production.
• To develop policies re land and infrastructure - from acquisition through disposal.
• To enhance the policy for property renovations.
• To construct 2000 over the next 5 years.
• To become one of the major advocates for policy improvements re Land and Building Regulations
• To introduce home ownership options to landless families.

Habitat for Humanity is changing lives. Working in partnership with low-income families to build decent homes they can afford to buy, Habitat helps to break the cycle of poverty and hopelessness. The major factors that prevent the low-income earner from homeownership are varied, but oftentimes include unwillingness by financial institutions to finance mortgages for this income bracket, as there are risks related to unstable employment and therefore, the ability to pay. The spiraling costs of houses and land, as well as a lack of certified ownership of inherited land, are other barriers for families living in inadequate conditions. Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago steps boldly into this breach and seek to build wholeness in individuals, families and communities by providing services that build “more than houses.”