INNOVATIVE ALLIANCES FOR IMPROVING HOUSING IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ANTIOQUIA, COLOMBIA

Abstract

Comfama's non-structural housing improvement model is a comprehensive initiative that addresses the problem of housing; not only from a physical perspective, but also in terms of equal opportunity and social inclusion, in order to guarantee healthy housing and increase family prosperity. This social intervention consists of several strategies associated with public-private partnerships, such as working with the network of hardware stores and warehouses, accessing the economic resources and programs of local authorities, and mobilizing Comfama's strong technical assistance for the benefit of the housing improvement program and for creating lines of credit with favourable conditions. Findings demonstrate that the program addresses the qualitative housing deficit, enhances health and privacy in homes, increases the sense of ownership and valuation of family assets, generates employment, includes families in the financial system, boosts the local construction sector economy, and builds social capital.

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