For many Colombians, heavy rains bring about serious challenges.

Nobody knows this better than Danilsa Maria Hernandez Ramos of Arjona. Danilsa’s traditional village home used to pool with water, turning her dirt floors into mud and creating an unhealthy environment for her children. Now, after a two-year pilot program,Opportunity has rolled out a floor and roof loan product for reliable, established clients like Danilsa who are installing concrete floors and replacing leaking tin roofs. The loan is repaid over 18 to 24 months, with payments declining to around $5 later in the cycle. Clients receive technical building advice, as well as discounted pricing on repair supplies.

Opportunity program manager Astrid Suarez says, “Having a floor helps give dignity to a person. God is using Opportunity and this program to benefit many families.” Astrid estimates that 50% of our clients in Colombia do not have floors in their homes.

This story about our Colombian clients was published in the winter 2011 Impact newsletter, which is now online. Read the winter Impact here.