“Build in Stages” allows Habitat for Humanity International to reach more families by building “core” starter homes that can be expanded at a later stage, with or without further assistance from HFHI. Core homes are complete ,and include kitchens and sanitary facilities.

“Core” houses use fewer resources yet provide shelter for families with less ability to save and repay loans. Loan repayments are smaller and made over a shorter time, normally repayments are completed within average of four years. Once one loan has been repaid, families can move to finance additions to their homes with new Habitat mortgage loans.