Community Management of Urban Infrastructure and Housing Improvements in Greater Buenos Aires

For over 20 years, Fundación Pro Vivienda Social (FPVS) has been helping low-income communities in Greater Buenos Aires improve their housing and access to essential services. Since 2010, FPVS has run the Community Development Plan, which focuses on three main goals: empowering communities, launching innovative housing and service projects, and promoting inclusive business practices.
In Moreno, a poor area with limited infrastructure, FPVS works in 18 neighbourhoods to provide natural gas, improve homes, and support community-led development. Residents are trained as Community Developers and participate in all stages of the projects. Youth also gain construction training through the Young Builders Programme.
FPVS uses Neighborhood Trust Funds (NTFs) to help families finance gas connections and housing improvements. These funds are supported by residents, donors, and investors. To date, 4,500 families have been connected to the gas network and 8,500 housing loans have been issued. Residents repay their loans over time through their gas bills, often saving money due to lower energy costs.
The model promotes social and financial inclusion by helping residents become creditworthy and encouraging banks and companies to work with these communities. Homes gain value, health improves, and local economies benefit.
FPVS’s approach is innovative because it builds trust, uses collective finance, and ensures residents lead the change. It’s financially sustainable and has been shared with other groups and regions. Challenges like distrust and reluctance to invest have been addressed through transparent processes and strong community engagement.
Evaluation and partnerships help refine the work and share it more widely. Overall, FPVS empowers residents to take charge of improving their neighbourhoods, making lasting changes to housing, health, and quality of life.