Providing Opportunity for Self Improvement in Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Annica Jonsson to Cabarete Noticias

Providing Opportunity for Self Improvement is a non-profit organization aimed at bettering the lives of the people who live in Barrio Blanco, an impoverished neighborhood in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. The current project is rebuilding solid and basic houses in the barrio (neighborhood) in order to provide the recipients a foundation for improving their lives and a sense of ownership. 100% of donations go to materials for building the houses: all administrative expenses are being paid by the founder and all labor costs are volunteered by the community of Barrio Blanco.

The barrio is surrounded by a lagoon and frequent rains cause flooding inside the houses. The standing water combined with no septic systems causes severe health problems throughout the neighborhood; donated houses are elevated above water level and contain proper septic systems.

***DONATION INFO***
Donations can be made by check to:
Providing Opportunity for Self Improvement
85017 Willamette St.
Eugene, Or. 97405

Receipts sent for use for taxes

***CONTACT INFO & NEWS***
Email:
providingopportunity@gmail.com

Blog:
http://providingopportunity.blogspot.com/

In the news:
http://www.registerguard.com/web/livinglifestyles/27144371-44/zauner-houses-dominican-republic-barrio.html.csp

***THE NUMBERS***
Barrio Blanco Demographics:
-Population: 360
-70% Dominican, 30% Haitian
-40% Children <14 y.o.

Families & Donations:
-Total Donations: $85,000
-Families receiving houses: 17
-Average cost per house: $5,500