26 low-income families receive keys to new core homes

Twenty-six families from Regions Three and Four received keys to their new Core Homes on Wednesday under the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP), bringing long-awaited stability to some of the country’s most vulnerable households.

Among the beneficiaries was Latchminee Seecharran of Covent Garden, whose experience reflects nearly two decades of financial hardship and constant relocation. She has moved repeatedly—from Georgetown to the East Coast of Demerara—while balancing rent payments and splitting her belongings between relatives.

“I happy about having a core home because I was struggling so long by myself,” she said.
With her keys now in hand, she added, “If I get my son to move me tonight, I will do that.”

The Core Home Support Initiative—funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)—provides safe, affordable housing for low-income families. At Wednesday’s ceremony, beneficiaries received their keys and electrical inspection certificates from Minister of Housing, Hon. Collin Croal; IDB Country Representative, Lorena Solórzano-Salazar; IDB Chief Operations Officer, Iván-Alonzo Gaviria; and CH&PA Deputy Director of Community Development, Donell Bess-Bascom.

Minister Croal described housing as a critical factor in social and economic transformation, noting that each home delivered strengthens household stability and supports upward mobility.
Ms. Solórzano-Salazar highlighted the role of strong partnerships in community development, saying the IDB is proud to collaborate with the Government of Guyana on the programme.

Several beneficiaries spoke about the dramatic change these homes will bring to their lives.

Michael Underwood, who has lived in Sophia since 2002, said the moment was overwhelming, explaining that his previous living conditions “is barely habitable.” He praised the programme as one that is improving the lives of many Guyanese.

For George Allicock—who lived in rented accommodation with his wife and two sons—the new home brings long-awaited financial relief. “We don’t have to pay any rent or anything anymore. Just a happy life now,” he said.

Patricia Burton, who shared a crowded range house with five relatives in Georgetown, expressed gratitude after waiting years for better housing. “I’m feeling so proud about this because I waited so long for this,” she said, thanking the government and partner agencies for the support.

The AHUAP Core Homes Support Initiative is expected to deliver 300 homes. Beneficiaries were selected during the now-closed application phase, and 202 houses have been handed over to date. Each 400-square-foot unit includes two bedrooms, a kitchen area, and washroom facilities. Recipients contribute GY$100,000 toward construction.

AHUAP also features a Home Improvement Subsidy, which provides building materials to help vulnerable families upgrade existing homes. Out of 927 approved beneficiaries, 855 subsidies have been issued so far.

The GY$5.8 billion programme includes three components: Affordable and Sustainable Housing, Consolidation of Existing Housing Schemes, and Institutional Strengthening. Its reach spans Georgetown to Grove on the East Bank Demerara; Haslington on the East Coast Demerara; and several West Bank communities including Westminster, Onderneeming, Recht-Door-Zee, Lust-en-Rust, and Parfaite Harmonie Phase II.