April 23 - June 23, 2005

JumpStart International's workers began constructing new homes as part of Cycle 1 of the pilot 2005 Housing Construction and Employment Generation program.

Work has begun on the construction of two new homes

Under Cycle 1, JumpStart constructed five 100-sq meter unfinished private homes in Baghdad and employed, on average, 40 workers per day (eight workers per home). Our engineers and laborers worked for approximately 45-60 days on each home. 

Beneficiaries of Cycle 1 included a school teacher, a housewife, and several city workers and their families.

Total direct labor costs = $16,018.48

Total worker days generated = 2,142

Total number of 100 sq m unfurnished private homes constructed = 5

This duplex in Amrea is a beautiful symbol of the laborers' hard work

June 14 - August 28, 2005

Beginning just as Cycle 1 of the Housing Construction and Employment Generation program was ending, Cycle 2 doubled the number of houses and increased the direct economic benefit by more than $10,000 over Cycle 1.

 Workers are building the foundations of a new home. 

The finished products were home to more than 42 individuals.  The major material components of the housing were brick and concrete, which the workers spent many days using to erect the backbone of the new homes.  To date, women represent a sizable portion of direct beneficiaries, being the contact point for more than 10% of homes between Cycles 1 and 2. 

Total direct labor costs = US$27,793.85
Total worker days generated = 3,292
Total number of 100 sq. meter unfurnished private homes constructed = 10

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September 9 - 30, 2005 

Similar to the increase in completed homes between Cycles 1 and 2, Cycle 3 dramatically intensified the work to generate employment while constructing single-family homes.

Front view of the house when JumpStart stopped the work

Many of the beneficiaries found out about the housing project through friends, advertisements in the newspaper and on TV. Announcements at various offices also attracted people to ask for our skills and assistance.

Total direct labor costs = $37,657.57

Total worker days generated = about 4,000 

Total number of 100 sq meter unfurnished private homes constructed = 16

A worker putting final touches on a new home 

August 25 - October 4, 2005

Under Cycle 4 just four homes were completed because of JumpStart's effort to cut back on material and construction per home. The housing design, henceforth, would be 60 sq. meters (see Cycle 5) and make the services of JumpStart available to more families.

The typical stages of housing construction were as follows: excavation, prepping, cementing a foundation, constructing walls followed by stairs, if needed, casting ceilings, and installing doors/windows/etc. This cycle directly benefited more than a dozen people.

Total direct labor costs = US$5,582.19

Total worker days generated = 676

October 12 - December 8, 2005

Completing the roof can be the toughest job on a new home.

Many of the beneficiaries of Cycle 5 are unemployed (or underemployed) laborers or city workers. JumpStart International’s project designs have changed from 100 sq. meter homes to 60 sq. meter homes to reflect our efforts to reach a larger market and house more people. Beneficiaries in Cycle 5 increasingly do not have electricity and water connections in their homes, implying that the families have lower income than previous project participants.

Total worker days generated = 3,381

Total number of 100 sq. meter unfurnished private homes = 1

The situation throughout Baghdad is steadily deteriorating.

November 16 - December 18, 2005