Date of Award

6-2001

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Geography

First Advisor

Dr. David Lemberg

Second Advisor

Dr. David Dickason

Third Advisor

Dr. Gregory Veeck

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

Building sustainable housing and community developments through the Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) homeownership program, is one of the many ways that has successfully improved housing standards for low-income communities in the U.S. Findings show that this model can be used as a mechanism to stimulate serious programs and as an alternative to improve and solve housing problems.

This study focuses on how the Habitat for Humanity model can be applied towards increasing the benefits to the community in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Located on Borneo Island, Sabah is the second largest state in the Federation of Malaysia, but is regarded as one of Malaysia's least developed states. Kota Kinabalu, the state capital, with nearly half a million in population faces problems of affordable housing for its lower income community. This study highlights various issues and problems occurring during the adaptation of Habitat for Humanity model. It suggests the best practices and sustainable approaches that can be applied to serve the needs of the lower income groups in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Finally, the study will evaluate HFHI not only as a social welfare program, but also as an alternative for future direction to an economic recovery for Sabah.

Included in

Geography Commons

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