Мy home is NOT my fortress

The program “My Home is NOT My Fortress” has provided the opportunity for families with children and youth with physical disabilities to renovate their homes in order to create better living conditions for their children – to move more freely and to meet their daily needs more independently and with minimal help from their relatives, as well as to assist parents in their day-to-day care for the children.

The beneficiaries received funding of up to BGN 3500 as a loan which was paid in small installments without interest, but only with an annual inflation adjustment and some additional fees. The loans were administered by licensed micro-credit institution “Mikrofond”, as the application procedure was significantly simple and fast.

Renovations made using this microfinance scheme varied and were tailored to the individual needs of each beneficiary, for example:

• Removal of thresholds, installation of auxiliary grabs;
• Reconstruction of the sanitary premises;
• Installation of contacts at an accessible height;
• Expansion of doors;
• Installation of auxiliary equipment (ramps) in the residential entrances, etc.

Within 18 months in the period 2009 – 2010, 20 families benefited from the program. The total amount of loans granted was $ 63.700. The implementation of the program was funded by Habitat for Humanity International – Woman Build.