Viviendas del Hogar de Cristo, Guayaquil

The Viviendas del Hogar de Cristo (CHD) project in Guayaquil, Ecuador was originally established by a local priest 25 years ago and up to 2004 has provided over 100,000 simple, low-cost houses to families living in slums or on the streets. Most recipients are women-led households with an average of seven members.
The houses are made from prefabricated bamboo panels produced in CHD’s 7,000 m² plant, which employs over 50 local workers and uses bamboo from sustainable plantations. A family can assemble their new home in a single day following simple instructions. The houses are basic but sturdy, often raised to prevent flood damage, and can be extended over time. Prices range from $522 to $883—about one-seventh the cost of the cheapest government home. Families repay the cost over 24 months, with titles held by mothers to protect family security. If a family cannot pay, donor aid and a social fund cover the cost.
CHD reinvests repayments to build more homes and uses foreign aid, mainly from Germany, to expand production. Since 1989, CHD has also built experimental concrete block homes with basic utilities, designed to foster community organization and long-term stability.
The project provides more than shelter: it offers dignity, security, and a first step toward a better life. Families improve and expand their homes as resources allow. By combining affordable housing, local employment, and sustainable materials, CHD has created a model that supports both social and environmental sustainability, showing that even the poorest can help build their own future.