West Belfast - Iris Close 1994-1997

Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland's first project of 11 houses in Iris Close, Catholic West Belfast, was completed in December 1997.  Prior to the involvement of Habitat for Humanity, Iris Close was desolate, with several houses lying derelict.  Construction began in 1994, local and international volunteers built all of the homes alongside the families who live in them.  Habitat is delighted to have been part of the regeneration of the whole area.

West Belfast - Glencairn 1998-2001

The Glencairn Project (Protestant West Belfast) was launched by a two-week building challenge in May 1998 called "Blitz Build 98"-building 4 houses in two weeks.  The 16-house development is situated just across the peace line from Iris Close.

Residents of Iris Close joined their Protestant neighbours during the "Blitz Build" and continued to do so as the project progressed.

This project represented the first private housing development in the Glencairn estate for 30 years and has provided a significant contribution to the ongoing regeneration of the area.

North Belfast Project: June 2002 - September 2006

Ballysillan and Ligoniel were typical of communities in North Belfast fractured along sectarian lines.   Both communities shared high measures of deprivation and some of the highest levels conflict-related violence in the region since 1969.

By building in Catholic Ligoniel and Protestant Ballysillan simultaneously, volunteers and families of all backgrounds crossed the well-established dividing lines between the two communities to work on both projects.  This was the first step in developing relationships of trust and mutual respect and in building communities without fear.

Ballysillan

House building began in Ballysillan September 2002 with the first house dedicated in June 2003.  In total, 8 homes were built at the Ballysillan site.  The final homes s in the Ballysillian project were dedicated in November 2005. 

Ligoniel

The Ligoniel project was launched on the 15^th September 2003 with the "Big Build" challenge to build four homes in four weeks.  The participation of over 400 local and international volunteers enabled the first 4 of 8 homes to be dedicated on the 11^th October 2003.  The final homes in Ligoniel were dedicated in September 2006. 

Downpatrick

In the mid 1990`s, a small group of local people, inspired by the work of Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland in Belfast, approached HFHNI to investigate the possibility of building Habitat homes in Downpatrick.

The Model Farm estate, just outside the town, was among the 3% most economically deprived wards in NI; an area in need of social and economic regeneration.  A community ‘finding its feet' after years of conflict.

The 14 home project was steered by a locally based project committee chaired by Greer Lowe. With generous support from both Down District Council and NI Housing Executive, land was secured on the site of some derelict buildings and a shop/post office.  The Flying Horse Ward Community Forum, SVP and local clergy from all main faith communities also provided invaluable support. More than 2,500 volunteers from across Northern Ireland and further afield worked alongside families building not just homes but community and hope.

The programme has impacted the wider local community, developing capacity, networks of mutual support and encouraging active citizenship.  The shared building experience breaks down socio-economic and cross-community barriers amongst participants, promoting greater understanding, tolerance, and mutual respect. 

The final 4 homes were dedicated in June 2007.