Habitat for Humanity Puerto Rico delivered three rehabilitated homes to families in San Juan, Ponce and Trujillo Alto, closing its National Homeownership Month activities with a housing initiative valued at about $558,176. The homes—located in Las Lomas Urbanization (San Juan), Tibes Urbanization (Ponce) and Villa Blanca Urbanization (Trujillo Alto)—were rehabilitated through Habitat's Home Acquisition Program in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Department of Housing's R-3 Program, along with government agencies, private companies, nonprofit partners and volunteers. Karla Peña-Romero, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Puerto Rico, said the handover represents 'stability, security and hope' and a 'new beginning' for the three families.
The project created 26 direct construction jobs, and 90 volunteers from schools and businesses contributed 415 hours of community service. Recognized partners included the Puerto Rico Department of Housing, ICF (which administers the R-3 Program), IEM, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, FirstBank, Division 16, and volunteers from Baldwin School, Colegio San Ignacio and TASIS Academy. Housing Secretary Luis Augusto Martínez-Román praised the government-nonprofit collaboration supporting low- and moderate-income families.
The event marked the close of Puerto Rico's first National Homeownership Month, led by Habitat to raise awareness of the need for affordable housing. Habitat said it will continue expanding housing opportunities across the island.