A huge part of Casa Hogar is the creation of a Community just outside of Choluteca, Honduras.
The Land is around 70 acres (Above map measured in the Honduran measure ‘Manzanas’) and will contain many different aspects. It will feature housing for local people with around 150 homes being planned, some of which will be given away by the church to those who will never be able to obtain their own house and are living in very poor conditions. Others will be sold at a reasonable price to local professionals and workers, many of whom may want to get on the housing ladder.
There will be two types of houses one smaller version for couples and small families and a larger version for those needing to accomodate larger families. The houses are costing around $7000 to build and the first ‘model’ house has been completed on the Casa Hogar land.
Casa Hogar are planning to manufacture many of the materials on site and work is under way creating factories for the creation of materials such as concrete blocks as well as ironwork and fittings this will reduce the costs of the homes in the long run as well as create jobs for local people.
Another part of the Project is a Children’s Home for Children affected or infected with/by HIV/AIDS. Many children whose parents pass away from AIDS have no where to go left to fend for themselves. Casa Hogar aims to house these children with aunts known as ‘tias’.
The name Casa Hogar Vida means house, home, life the idea that this project will be a home for these children to return to all their lives should disaster strike they will always have a place to return home, for life!
Many of the children may also be infected with HIV. Casa Hogar aims to have a high ratio of supervision to each child to ensure that the health needs of the children are met. The Childrens home will also feature areas for the children to play and learn. It will be fully secure for the protection of the children and also feature a store where the ‘Tias’ can purchase food for the children from their budgets.
This serves two purposes one to keep costs down and the other is to monitor the diet of the children as good nutrition is essential for those suffering with HIV. The project is also to feature a Clinic to serve the local community and produce low cost treatments such as X-Rays to those who would otherwise be unable to afford them.
In addition to the Community Housing and Children’s Home there are plans for Agriculture and Forestry on the remaining land. This will provide jobs and give local people the ability to learn a trade and help them work to improve their lives through positive change.
Casa Hogar is aiming to be at least 50% self sustainable and the revenue from these projects will be poured directly back into Casa Hogar.
Other plans also include: Accommodation for visiting mission teams bringing further revenue to the project as well as a chance for people to interact with the children. A small chapel to allow for counselling for those with HIV as well as small group meetings, a space for devotionals for visiting groups and general prayer and worship for the local community. GCLA also wishes to build a retreat for Christians all over Latin America to come and spend time with God.
