With a model of 0% interest “social mortgages” and an average monthly payment of $399, the organization Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico aims to rehabilitate and sell 30 affordable homes over the next three years.

In addition to that goal, in its 2026–2028 strategic plan, the organization also plans to benefit at least 75 households through its home repair program and strengthen a culture of volunteerism to help offset high construction costs, explained its executive director, Karla Peña Romero.

“For us, the evidence is clear that homeownership changes the future of an entire family,” Peña Romero said during a press event at the organization’s headquarters in Santurce. “It’s about preserving and restoring the housing inventory we already have.”

Peña Romero noted that the organization prioritizes acquiring—whether at low cost, through transfer, or donation—multifamily properties in urban centers of the metropolitan area, with the goal of rehabilitating and selling them.

Among the criteria used to determine project viability, architect Nianti Bird explained that properties must not be in flood zones, must be connected to sewer systems, and must have a “fairly sound shell” without major structural damage.

“Within that, the house can have exposed rebar, cracks, or even test positive for hazardous materials. We may have to redo all the electrical and plumbing,” Bird added, referring to the scope of work they can undertake.

She emphasized that designs aim not only to meet requirements but also to give families “a sense of pride.”

Once completed, the property is appraised. Although it may be valued between $100,000 and $125,000, mortgages typically average around $60,000, with a monthly payment of about $399.

This is because Habitat helps participants apply for all available grants and subsidies, such as the HOME program or the first-time homebuyer grant of up to $60,000, now known as “Pronto pa’ tu casa.”

“It’s not ‘go apply and let me know what happens’—we go with you,” said social worker Josué Flores Martínez, family services manager.

Participants also take workshops on financial planning, home maintenance, and compliance with condominium law to ensure they have the “ability to pay and won’t have to live in precarious conditions in the future.”

The organization focuses on providing housing to individuals and families with low to moderate incomes, typically between $18,000 and $25,000 annually.

Currently, the organization has a “limited inventory” of 16 units ready for sale, while it continues evaluating potential buyers.

Peña Romero emphasized that individuals or families with relocation vouchers from the R3 (Repair, Reconstruction, or Relocation) Program may also qualify.

Regarding the model of promoting homeownership and supporting participants beyond mortgage closing, she stated that “we can confidently say, backed by data, that it works.”

Her remarks are based on nearly 30 years of charitable work in Puerto Rico, during which the organization has documented the impact of its initiatives through both statistics and participant testimonials.

To date, Habitat has rehabilitated and sold 68 homes. Of the active mortgages—all at 0% interest over 30 years—more than 94% are current.

In terms of human development, she noted that 80% of children in participating families improve their academic performance, while 40% of adults join workforce training programs. Additionally, up to 98% of surveyed participants report improved self-esteem after becoming homeowners.

Habitat, which also runs a workforce training program for the construction industry, has completed 900 home repairs for families who lacked the financial or physical capacity to do so.

Meanwhile, volunteer services manager Yaira Castellón Torres explained that the nonprofit coordinates initiatives that involve volunteers from the private sector, communities, and schools across different phases of projects.

Like monetary and material donations, volunteers are crucial in reducing project costs, while also benefiting from a shared experience and gaining new skills.

They often assist with tasks such as pressure washing, controlled demolition, and landscaping.

She added that the organization also partners with schools to foster a culture of service from an early age.

Additionally, participants in its construction training programs are encouraged to volunteer as well.

“That’s how we scale impact. It’s the only way we can do it,” Peña Romero concluded, particularly in the context of high construction costs. “The need for housing is great.”

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This content was translated from Spanish to English using artificial intelligence and was reviewed by an editor before being published.