The Housing Need in Trinidad and Tobago & Habitat’s Programme Priorities

In 2019, Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Housing & Urban Development estimated that some 200,000 people, about 19% of the population, lived in informal settlements. The waiting list for government-subsidized housing at that time was approximately 139,000 people, some waiting for up to 25 years. The main housing demand stemmed from socio-economic inequity and population growth.

Habitat Trinidad & Tobago partners with entities across the political, corporate and civil society spectrum to advance our country’s UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG11 – Sustainable cities and communities. We are recognized by the national government as one of two civil society resource for shelter provision.

Our National Shelter Programme

The average Habitat house in Trinidad and Tobago measures 31 square metres. Monthly mortgage payments over a 30-year period are about TT$700 (approx. US$100); this is a significantly more affordable cost than the average rent in the local real estate market. Habitat two- and three-bedroom houses are built using culturally preferred materials for construction – concrete blocks and steel roofs. We offer micro-financing opportunities to potential homeowners, including loans for materials, repairs, renovations and labour.

Fundraising & Membership Development

Habitat Trinidad and Tobago raises funds to provide housing solutions for the most vulnerable communities in the country, as well as for post-disaster recovery projects in the English-speaking Caribbean region. We receive donations of money, materials, professional services and in-kind gifts that support our shelter and training programs. With our no-interest policy, Habitat is often the only option available to low-income families outside of specially-targeted government subsidy programmes. Our membership programme presents structured and sustainable opportunities for support to corporate entities and individuals. Members can execute their social responsibility programmes and create opportunities for communities and individuals to become resilient.

Regional disaster recovery and resilience

With the support of Habitat’s Latin America and Caribbean area office in Costa Rica, we offer a holistic suite of services to respond to shelter incidents in the English-speaking Caribbean. Our Caribbean Services Catalogue includes assessment tools & services implemented by architects and engineers, recruitment and training of skilled builders, land tenure specialists, carpentry and masonry training, the Healthy Housing Habits program, the Participatory Approach To Safe Shelter Awareness (PASSA) programme, and shelter kits.

Habitat for Humanity welcomes new partnership opportunities! Please contact the National Director Jennifer Massiah, or the Resource Development Coordinator Carlene Pooran at 674-2031 or donate@habitat-tt.org