At least 156 families from 11 vulnerable communities have achieved decent access to water and sanitation
The project “A Clean Solution to a Dirty Problem” has benefited a total of 285 people.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – The “A Clean Solution to a Dirty Problem” project, a strategic alliance between Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic and IDB Lab, the innovation and venture capital arm of the Inter-American Development Bank Group, has shown significant progress in its implementation phase, directly impacting the quality of life and public health of 156 families distributed across 11 vulnerable communities in the country.
To date, the project has directly benefited 285 people, with an inclusive approach that particularly impacts 70 women, 88 children, and 60 older adults; it also includes 7 people with disabilities.
“The project’s progress is felt in the families’ daily lives, where the focus on water and sanitation infrastructure is crucial for disease prevention and restoring dignity. In fact, the renovation of 112 bathrooms marks a milestone in improving hygiene and reducing health risks,” says Cesarina Fabián, National Director of Habitat for Humanity in the Dominican Republic.
At the same time, water security in homes has been strengthened with the activation of 124 water connections, along with the installation of 28 water storage systems that guarantee a stable supply. In addition to these crucial improvements, the project has provided 13 complete housing solutions.
“The renovation of each bathroom and the installation of each water connection is an act of restoring human dignity and a firm step toward better health for these families,” says Fabián. “This project reinforces our vision of building not just homes, but resilient communities, where health is not a privilege, but a right guaranteed by adequate infrastructure. The impact is measured in the peace of mind of every mother and the smile of every child who now has a safe environment.”
An integrated financial and social model
The project goes beyond infrastructure and is based on a sustainable financial model designed to empower families and generate opportunities. By September 2025, an investment of USD $68,427 has been made through loans.
This financial mechanism consists of subsidies and/or loans for families, resulting in a total of 49 complete bathrooms being built and 57 repairs. It also provides mixed solutions (subsidies and repairs), achieving 6 complete bathrooms and 1 repair to date under this scheme.
The social component reinforces this sustainability by training 124 people in financial education, providing them with crucial tools for managing their resources. Furthermore, the project has generated 30 direct jobs within the communities themselves, injecting significant local economic dynamism and maximizing the positive impact through employment opportunities.
About Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic
Habitat for Humanity is a movement of people, both locally and globally, working together to build more prosperous and vibrant communities, ensuring that all people have a safe and dignified place to call home. Since its founding in the country in 1986, it has developed more than 55,700 housing solutions, impacting more than 258,000 people. Its programs include access to microfinance for housing, risk mitigation, and strengthening disaster resilience. For more information, visit www.habitatdominicana.org
About IDB Lab
IDB Lab is the innovation and venture capital arm of the Inter-American Development Bank Group. We find new ways to drive social inclusion, environmental action, and productivity in Latin America and the Caribbean. IDB Lab leverages financing, knowledge, and connections to support early-stage entrepreneurship, develop new technologies, activate innovative markets, and energize existing sectors. www.bidlab.org
