As the Dominican administration advances its flagship national affordable housing initiative, 16 households across Woodford Hill are just days away from receiving keys to brand-new, three-bedroom residential units, marking the latest milestone in the country’s effort to expand access to safe, secure housing for all citizens.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit confirmed the upcoming September 11 handover during a Wednesday press briefing, noting that this latest distribution follows closely on the heels of a recent transfer that put 11 completed housing units into the hands of eligible families in the Canefield East area. The Canefield East development is one segment of a much larger planned rollout that will see 204 total homes and apartments distributed to qualifying residents across nine separate communities across the country.
Skerrit outlined that the government’s national housing framework is rooted in a core guiding principle: every Dominican, regardless of their income level or personal background, deserves the chance to reside in a home that keeps them safe and secure. To advance this goal, program administrators have prioritized vulnerable groups for housing access, including at-risk families, single-parent households, elderly residents, people displaced by natural disasters, and individuals who lack the means to secure adequate housing on their own.
The Prime Minister openly acknowledged that unmet demand for housing support remains high across the country, with thousands of eligible applicants still waiting for assistance through the programme. “As resources become available, we will continue to respond in a fair and systematic manner, ensuring that assistance reaches those with the greatest need,” Skerrit stated.
In addition to the construction of new units, the national initiative also includes ongoing work on housing repair programs and other forms of residential assistance for low- and middle-income Dominican households. Skerrit emphasized that the administration will not scale back the programme despite facing public criticism, pointing to the proven social and economic benefits of stable housing, which he said strengthens family units, reduces vulnerability, and raises overall quality of life for communities across the nation.