Habitat for Humanity Puerto Rico Calls for Donations While Building Seven Apartments in Caguas for $1.5 Million

With World Habitat Day being observed this Monday, October 5, Habitat for Humanity Puerto Rico issued a call to residents, businesses and foundations to donate, volunteer or form partnerships that expand access to dignified, safe and affordable housing on the island ¹. The organization announced that, as part of that effort, it is moving forward with Jimenez Sicardo, a multifamily building in Caguas with seven apartments, whose total cost is estimated at 1.5 million dollars, covering permits, labor, repairs and materials ¹².

This year's commemoration falls under the international theme "Adequate housing for all" and comes at a time when Puerto Rico faces growing challenges for families trying to buy or maintain a home: property costs have risen, construction expenses have increased, and affordable alternatives remain limited ¹. Habitat for Humanity Puerto Rico has operated on the island since 1997, working on construction, rehabilitation and repair of homes across different communities through a model that brings together the public, private, community, academic and philanthropic sectors ¹².

The numbers behind the call

According to data compiled by the organization, a typical intervention to address roof leaks, plumbing problems or structural damage in a Puerto Rican home can cost an average of 30,000 dollars ¹². That figure illustrates the economic barrier facing thousands of low- and moderate-income families who have no savings or access to financing for that kind of repair.

The Jimenez Sicardo project, with its seven units in Caguas, has a projected completion date of 2028 ¹². Habitat for Humanity Puerto Rico's executive director, Karla Pena, underscored the human impact behind the figures: "Behind the need for housing there are families looking for a place to raise their children, rest and build their future without the cost of a home consuming their income. At Habitat we work to bring that possibility closer to more people, but we need more hands and resources," Pena said ¹². The organization's official site also reports more than 359 home repairs completed, more than 618 accumulated volunteer hours, and a presence in 12 municipalities across the island ³.

What this means for you

If you live in a home with a deteriorated roof, plumbing problems or structural damage and lack the resources for a repair that can exceed 30,000 dollars, Habitat for Humanity Puerto Rico is one of the few nonprofits offering direct intervention alongside engineers, architects and social workers ¹². If you are a low- or moderate-income family in the Caguas area, the Jimenez Sicardo project could represent, by 2028, a real opportunity to access a newly built apartment under an affordable housing model ¹². And if you are able to donate, volunteer, or represent a business looking to build community partnerships, this is the moment the organization most needs that support, since every project depends directly on outside contributions to move forward ¹³.

How to do it / Checklist

1. Go to habitatpr.org/dona-ahora to make a one-time donation or become a recurring donor ³.
2. Donate through ATH Movil by searching for the account @habitatpr in the app ²³.
3. Call 787-368-9393 or email [email protected] to ask about the status of the Jimenez Sicardo project in Caguas or about home-repair assistance ²³.
4. If your business or foundation wants to contribute, request information about corporate partnerships at habitatpr.org/alianzas-corporativas ³.
5. Sign up as a volunteer at habitatpr.org/voluntariado, including the Brigadas Solidarias, which offer free training in roof waterproofing ¹³.
6. If your community has housing needs, contact the office at Calle Jordan #704 in San Juan or by phone to find out whether you qualify for current programs ³.

What's next

Habitat for Humanity Puerto Rico expects to complete the Jimenez Sicardo building in Caguas in 2028, a process that will depend on continued donations, corporate partnerships and volunteer work over the coming years ¹². The organization said the World Habitat Day call is meant to mobilize support that extends beyond October 5 and continues throughout the year, as it evaluates new communities where similar affordable-housing projects could be replicated ¹.