TECHO – Development of Habitat

TECHO is a non-profit working with families and young volunteers to improve life in informal settlements across Latin America and the Caribbean. Started in 1997 by students in Chile, TECHO now operates in 19 countries. Its Development of Habitat program, active in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia, focuses on long-term solutions like secure housing, legal land ownership, and access to basic services.
Most people in Latin America live in cities, and many poor families live in unsafe housing without water, electricity, or legal land rights. TECHO works directly with these communities to understand their needs and create plans for better housing, infrastructure, and public services. Over 23,000 people have been helped, and nearly 6,000 homes built or improved.
TECHO brings together local families, volunteers, architects, lawyers, and engineers to co-design the projects. This not only gives communities better living conditions but also helps volunteers build skills and form strong social bonds.
Funding comes from a mix of sources: mostly corporate donations, along with government support and international aid. Each home costs around $24,000 to build. TECHO also raises funds through offices in the U.S. and Europe.
The program has proven that lasting improvements take time—usually 3 to 5 years—and that success depends on strong community involvement. Despite challenges like land access and long project timelines, TECHO has shown how poor communities can be transformed into sustainable, well-connected neighbourhoods.
Its model is now being used in other countries, showing that with the right partnerships and local adaptation, real change is possible.
In 2020 World Habitat presented their first ever ‘Outstanding Contribution to Housing Award’ to TECHO for their contribution to housing which is, by any measure, extraordinary. They have – in just over 20 years – built more than 135,000 homes for the poorest and most marginalised communities in Latin America.
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