trains and supports families to build and maintain new homes. New homes provide weather protection and electricity to help children study. Parents’ construction skills can help them get jobs to continue taking care of children.

Stories          Donation Opportunities

Better Lives Partner Since: 2008
Homes Built in 2013: 88
Children Housed in 2013: 409
Latrines Built in 2013: 31
Other Projects Completed: 56

Programs

Home Building
BCM has designed an easy to build, low cost-of-ownership home that can be built by families and volunteers in just one weeked. Volunteers partner with future homeowners currently living in slums to built 16’x20′, 3-room, weatherproof houses with lofts. The houses are durable, efficiently designed, and serve poor families for many years. They provide shelter and electricity so children can study at night. Multiple rooms give the family privacy and dignity.

Home Maintenance
Better Lives partnership with BCM focuses on helping families maintain their houses once they move in. A previously unemployed parent has been hired to make maintenance visits with families. Families learn a variety of construction skills while building their houses. Follow-up support helps families expand their building skills and ensures the housing lasts as long as possible.