26 low-income families receive keys to their new Core Homes

Twenty-six families from Regions Three and Four received the keys to their new Core Homes on Wednesday under the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP). Among them was Latchminee Seecharran of Covent Garden, whose journey reflects years of movement and instability. For nearly two decades, she has lived in various locations—from Georgetown to the East Coast of Demerara—while managing financial hardship and the constant burden of rent.

“I happy about having a core home because I was struggling so long by myself,” she said.

Recent circumstances have forced her to split her belongings between relatives’ homes, staying with one while storing items at another. Receiving her own keys now marks a long-awaited turning point. “If I get my son to move me tonight, I will do that,” she added excitedly.

The Core Home Support Initiative, which provides safe and affordable housing for vulnerable households, is a key component of AHUAP, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The beneficiaries received their keys and electrical inspection certificates during a brief ceremony led by Minister of Housing, Hon. Collin Croal; IDB Country Representative, Ms. Lorena Solórzano-Salazar; IDB Chief Operations Officer, Iván-Alonzo Gaviria; and CH&PA Deputy Director of Community Development, Mrs. Donell Bess-Bascom.

Minister Croal described housing as an important factor that transforms the lives of people and their families socially and economically. He noted that every home delivered strengthens community stability and supports upward mobility for vulnerable households. Meanwhile, Ms. Solórzano-Salazar highlighted the importance of community development through strong government partnerships, noting that the IDB is proud to have worked alongside the Government of Guyana on this initiative.

Other beneficiaries also expressed profound relief. Michael Underwood, who has lived in Sophia since 2002, described the moment as overwhelming. He shared that where he lived “is barely habitable,” while praising the programme as one that is transforming the lives of a number of Guyanese.

For George Allicock, who had been renting with his wife and two sons, the new home represents an escape from years of financial strain. “We don’t have to pay any rent or anything anymore. Just a happy life now,” he said. Patricia Burton, who previously lived with five relatives in a crowded range house in Georgetown, echoed this joy: “I’m feeling so proud about this because I waited so long for this,” she shared, also commending the government and partner agencies for the initiative.

The AHUAP Core Homes Support Initiative is expected to provide housing for 300 households. Beneficiaries were selected during the programme’s application phase, which has since closed. To date, 202 homes have been handed over. Each 400-square-foot core home includes two bedrooms, a kitchen area, and washroom facilities. Beneficiaries contribute GY$100,000 toward construction.

AHUAP, funded by the IDB, also includes a Home Improvement Subsidy, through which materials are provided to vulnerable households to upgrade existing structures. Of the 927 beneficiaries selected, 855 subsidies have been disbursed.

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