Housing Solutions for Peace and Development

The ‘Habitat Solution for Peace and Development’ project in Guatemala was created after the 1996 Peace Accords to rebuild communities and provide decent homes for people affected by 36 years of civil war. Over 18,000 people have benefited so far, including returning refugees, displaced families, and rural Indigenous communities, mainly the Mayan population.
The project focuses on more than just building houses. It aims to restore social ties, give families a secure asset, and improve quality of life through housing, health, and community development. Local people are involved at every stage, from planning to construction. Training is provided in building skills, land preparation, and decision-making, as well as workshops to strengthen women’s participation and community organization.
Each home is about 50m² with a kitchen-living space, hallway, and two bedrooms. Houses are built with blocks, columns, and metal roofs, sometimes using local materials like stone or adobe. Designs are discussed with communities, who choose and adapt the model, and homes can be extended later.
Residents contribute 25% of the cost through labour and materials, while the government covers 75%. Communities also form committees to continue working with local authorities for services like roads, water, and schools.
Environmentally, local materials reduce impact, and wood is only used responsibly. Socially, the project rebuilds trust, strengthens community leadership, and ensures families have a permanent, dignified home.
This approach is financially and socially sustainable because it develops construction skills, encourages self-organisation, and allows communities to secure future resources. It has been successfully implemented in 50 communities across 11 departments and received Guatemala’s National Prize for Social Management in 2005.