Around the world, millions of families live without sustainable, safe, and affordable housing. In countries like Nicaragua, many families on the outskirts of the cities face a crisis as they are unable to afford housing. This inability to have a home can be due to poverty, natural disasters, and limited access to necessary resources. Having a house is more than just a roof above your head. For many, it means a stable home and an opportunity to build a better future. Studies show that children are more likely to succeed in school when they have a reliable home and their families are more financially stable. Unfortunately for many families in Nicaragua, poverty has led them to reside in shelters made of a few concrete blocks and metal siding. These shelters are unable to survive harsh weather conditions, and electricity and plumbing are unavailable. 

This is where sustainable housing is important. Sustainable housing creates homes that are affordable, durable and cheap to build. Having communities implement projects to build these homes could help thousands to millions of families receive stable housing. Instead of using expensive materials and harming the environment, many sustainable housing projects utilize local resources and energy-efficient designs. However, rather than bring these solutions in from outside the country, the goal is to work with local communities to employ locals and provide housing at the same time. This ensures a stable job and home for many families. 

When I visited Nicaragua on a mission trip two years ago, many of the children with whom I worked were living in shelters without electricity, plumbing, or even walls. This experience really opened my eyes to the need for affordable and sustainable housing within the Managua, Nicaragua, community. Every family deserves a safe place to live, no matter where they are living in the world, and through sustainable solutions, there is hope for future generations.