Democratic Republic of Congo

Habitat for Humanity DRC (HFH DRC)-SUSPENDED PROGRAM

Habitat for Humanity began its first overseas work in the DRC following a pilot project in the city of Mbandaka. Since its inception, HFH RDC has built over 3,000 houses with low-income Congolese families, often working in the remote villages of the country’s vast equatorial rain forest.

Program Highlights

Years of war took a devastating toll on communities in the Equator Province, the birthplace of Habitat for Humanity DRC. In the midst of the ongoing war, construction of homes in the country virtually came to a halt. However, home building again resumed in all eight of the affiliates following a ceasefire agreement; and, in the wake of devastation, emerged stories of hope.

In 2003, Habitat for Humanity staff, volunteer workers and local committee members resurrected the Mbandaka project. Working with local authorities, they began constructing new homes by means of a revolving fund. Unfortunately, since 2003, political instability has continued in the country and the program has struggled. In August 2007, the program was suspended and there are no plans to continue building houses in the DRC in the foreseeable future.

For more information please email ame@habitat.org .

Country Facts:
Location: Central Africa
Climate: Tropical, hot and humid
Population: 56 million
Economy: Main exports are diamonds, copper, coffee, cobalt and crude oil
Government: Transitional government
Religions: Christianity, Islam and indigenous beliefs
Languages: French, Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo and Tshiluba