Habitat for Humanity has a branch in Bermuda which has helped a number of families on the Island since it was launched six years ago.

The focus here is on renovation projects, as opposed to new builds, and so far eight have been completed with two more in the pipeline. T

he criteria for families to be considered for help is the same as anywhere else in the world. They must be able to afford the monthly re-payments on an interest-free loan and they must be prepared to put in their own ?sweat equity? by working on their house and other people?s.

The charity?s executive director Larry Williams said Bermuda had a big housing shortage so any initiative for providing homes was needed.

?Because of the cost of real estate here we are primarily focusing on the renovation of properties that the land owner is unable to do,? he said. ?We are helping people to upgrade their housing. Our long-term goal is to provide some new housing for people to reside in.?

Sometimes the property to be upgraded is the family home. Occasionally, it?s a second property which the owners can?t afford to do up.

By helping with the renovation, Habitat can insist that if the house is rented out, it is done so at an affordable price of less than $1,500 a month.

?Our aim is to provide affordable housing and decent housing,? said Mr. Williams. ?If we can help create another dwelling on the Island where somebody can afford to live, we are doing our job.?

A family support committee assesses applications for help and Mr. Williams said it was vital that people could afford to pay back what they borrow.

Due to corporate donors, other donations and the help of volunteers, Habitat can dramatically reduce the cost of an upgrade.

Mr. Williams said it was possible for a $200,000 renovation to cost just $80,000.

The charity uses a small band of volunteers as required ? but often families getting help bring along their friends and relatives to work on rebuilds.

?It?s very family-orientated and pretty suburban,? said Mr. Williams. ?The feedback we get from those we?ve helped is overwhelming.

?People start feeling good about themselves because they can see something happening. I believe Habitat has made a very positive impact on families. It?s a win-win situation.?

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For more information on Habitat for Humanity Bermuda call 296-0256 or visit www.habitat.bm