More than 5,000 Nicaraguans died in landslides and flash floods that accompanied Hurricane Mitch. Deforestation had already damaged much of the land in the country roughly the size of New York state, and the nation still suffers under huge debt. The 1980s conflict between the Nicaraguan Sandinistas and their U.S.-funded opposition, the Contras, also contributed to the nation's poverty. People didn't really know how bad off Nicaragua was. Some 400,000 families still need homes, Aguirre said.
Staff identify community leaders, then work with villagers to meet community goals.
ELCA members worked in Pacora, a village about 75 kilometers from Managua. Each home measures 20 feet by 20 feet and consists of 1,200 cement blocks, which are made by hand. Roofs are made from boards covered with tin. The homeowner has five years to pay for the supplies, with an initial one-year grace period. Gutierrez said when Nicaraguans work on their own homes they develop a sense of ownership and learn valuable skills.