KEY POINTS:
The divide between rich and poor is growing wider by the day.
As a result the Housing Corporation has seen an increase in the number of people applying for its services.
CEO Matautia Rula Levi says that their services are "quickly expanding".
"We have close to 2000 people
who have loans with us."
Most of those are unable to meet loan requirements set by the Commercial Bank.
Mrs Levi says the Corporation aims to make services accessible and affordable.
"People need to have a safe, clean home," she says.
President of Habitat for Humanity La Mamea Sefulu Ioane agrees saying there are many people in Samoa without adequate housing.
Habitat for Humanity plans to build ten houses before August in the on going effort to help Samoan's struggling to finance their own homes.
"Samoa looks after its people but there are changes now," says Sefulu Ioane. He believes as Samoa becomes more developed many people are getting left behind.
The Full Bright Scholar who has developed education programs for Samoans in Auckland has retired and turned his attention to helping the less fortunate in Samoa.
"We give them something. They've got brains, we've just got to give them a chance," he said at the opening of the 40th Habitat for Humanity house built since 2001.
He's optimistic however organisations like his can make a difference. He believes that there is a lot of local support and with that they can a real differences in many lives.
The family who had a house built for them by Habitat were incredibly emotional as the completed product was presented to them on Friday afternoon, May 4.
"If it was not for the volunteers this house wouldn't be possible, it's a dream come true. Surely this is the day the Lord has made." said Imakeulata Leti Iiga.
Imakeulata's Faleapuna home is near the beach but now when storms and hurricanes come her sick mother and young family can sleep easy.
They are just one lucky family who have been given a helping hand by Habitat. However many families can't even afford the $1000 deposit to receive a Habitat house.
Mrs Levi says they often have people who are recipients of the Habitat for Humanity services approach them for loans so they can further improve their houses.
She believes it is good the two organisations can work together.
Speaking at the unveiling of another Habitat house in Solosolo, La Mamea Sefulu Ioane said: "Some of these kids here could be Prime Minister."
He believes we can't give up on those who find themselves at the bottom of society, because with a little help anyone can achieve great things for themselves and their country.
Mrs Levi echoed La Mamea's views saying that by assisting people into homes, we are building people's self worth.
"Everyone deserves a chance in life to provide their children a better home," she says.
- NEWSLINE SAMOA
