This project explored the possibility of using local soils for making compressed earth blocks for the construction of affordable residential buildings. The blocks were made with a block press that delivers a high compressive effort. Blocks were also made from soils with 5% of Ordinary Portland cement and kenaf fiber, an agricultural fiber, respectively. Mortar and plaster were made from clayey soil and a blend of clay and cement. The blocks were tested for compressive strength and modulus of rupture. The results met code requirements for compressed earth block one-story housing construction. The durability of the blocks was also examined. The provision of housing is a challenge around the world, especially in developing countries. The spiraling growth of population, low Gross National Product and the general lack of purchasing power are factors that contribute to the progressive deterioration of the housing situation in developing economies. An impediment to the solution of the problem of housing is the scarcity and/or the high-cost of building materials. Ideally, building materials for low-cost housing must be produced from locally available raw materials. Furthermore, these raw materials must be abundantly available or they should be renewable in nature.