An up-and-coming Canadian housing program is asking condo developers to donate a portion of money from unit sales to aid international communities in need.

World Housing’s “one-for-one real estate gifting model” seeks to help people living in landfill communities throughout developing nations, including Mexico, the Philippines and Cambodia.

The program, which is the first of its kind, is asking partner developers to contribute $2,900 from the sale of a unit in their respective projects to the construction of a home in needy communities.

Homes are typically 130 square feet, and are designed to withstand the elements, flooding and infestation. They also come equipped with electricity and rainwater collection systems.

“We cannot possibly overstate the incredible social change that is created by gifting homes to the most deserving people on earth,” says Peter Dupuis, co-founder of World Housing. “The conditions of landfill communities are the worst in the world; these people are literally surviving off of the garbage of others, spending hours a day trying to find clean water and food for their family. Receiving a home gives a stable living environment to help create a better life.”

By working with developers, homebuyers, non-government organizations and participating recipients, World Housing aims to provide safe, secure and functional homes for 30,000 people by 2020.

“We are very encouraged by the reception the real estate community has given this program,” says Sid Landolt, co-founder of World Housing. “It brings to the forefront the real need for safe and secure housing for the world’s most vulnerable communities. A relatively small contribution truly does make a lifelong impact on the families receiving this gift.”

As the initiative grows, the World Housing team plans to expand their landfill communities to include areas in India, South America and Africa.