Un techo para mi pais

http://www.untechoparamipais.org/english/

What we doUTPMP uses a three-stage method to achieve long-term, sustainable change in the social structure. At the core of our approach is a focus on empowering the poorest sector of the society, insuring that beneficiaries become the main protagonists of the process. To do this, we rely on the involvement of thousands of volunteers who work hand-in-hand with families living in slums, fighting for the common goal of eradicating extreme poverty.

Phase I: Large-scale construction of transitional houses

At the start of our involvement, UTPMP efforts focus on solving the immediate necessity of adequate housing through the construction of basic transitional houses for families living in extreme poverty.

The construction process establishes the first bonds of trust between volunteers and residents, beginning a relationship that allows us to later continue with more permanent work in the community. Additionally, it constitutes an entrance point for many volunteers who have never before come close to the harsh reality of poverty.

The transitional houses are made of wood or aluminum and are designed to be low-cost, easy to construct, and mobile. A typical house is 18 m2 (6×3) in size and costs around US $1,500, of which the beneficiary family contributes 10 percent; it is built in two days by a team of eight to ten volunteers working alongside the family.

Transitional homes allow Latin America’s poorest populations to have a private and decent shelter that protects against rain, cold and infestations as well as providing security and a defense against crime. These basic results have long-term impacts; for example, reduced illness, better security and a place to study often prevents children from dropping out of school.
Phase II: Social Inclusion Programs

This phase develops social inclusion through the implementation of social training programs led by volunteers in areas such as education, healthcare, economic development, microfinance, vocational training, legal aid, and cultural and recreational education. These programs are organized around weekly Community Meetings, where residents formally discuss community issues through representatives and elected leaders. Through these meetings settlers begin to believe in themselves and in the strength of community organization, empowering them to overcome their learned helplessness and participate in formal networks and democratic space.
Phase III: Sustainable Communities

In the final phase, UTPMP helps families living in slums develop their own sustainable community with strong social capital, bonds between neighbors and links to external networks. The goal is for residents to unify as a community and work together for the common good, organizing and participating directly as well as democratically electing representatives to lead the process. The community must determine its own priorities, examine problems, brainstorm solutions and develop concrete goals and methods to achieve them.

Because sustainable communities stem from the ideas of the residents in each location, this phase will naturally vary between countries. However, where permitted by governmental housing policies, it may include the construction of definitive housing; such is the case in Chile, where UTPMP has coordinated efforts of technical organizations (architects, engineers), government, community, and legal areas of operation to construct definitive neighborhoods for 9,000 families by 2010.