Community-Led Housing in Covid-19

Community-Led Housing (CLH) has emerged as a powerful solution to address the global housing crisis, offering an alternative to traditional housing models that often prioritize profit over people. This approach emphasizes the active participation of residents in the design, construction, and management of their living spaces, fostering a sense of community and ensuring that housing meets the needs of its occupants. From Scandinavia to South Africa, and from Canada to Argentina, CLH has taken various forms, each tailored to the unique cultural, economic, and social contexts of different regions. This article explores the evolution of CLH, its significance in realizing the right to adequate housing, and the innovative ways communities are responding to the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Housing cooperatives have a long history, dating back to the late 19th century. These cooperative models have evolved and adapted to local contexts, taking on various forms and names across the globe. In Scandinavia, for example, housing cooperatives are often characterized by high levels of member participation and democratic governance. In South Africa, cooperatives have played a crucial role in addressing the legacy of apartheid-era housing inequalities. Similarly, in Canada, Argentina, Switzerland, Serbia, and Thailand, housing cooperatives have developed unique characteristics that reflect the specific needs and aspirations of their communities.

The right to adequate housing is enshrined in international human rights law, recognized in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. This right is fundamental to the realization of other rights, such as the right to health, education, and security. Despite its recognition, the right to adequate housing is frequently violated, particularly during times of crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing housing inequalities, highlighting the urgent need for innovative and community-driven solutions.

Community-Led Housing (CLH) represents a participatory approach to housing production, where residents are actively involved in the entire lifecycle of their homes. This includes the design, construction, and management of housing units, shared facilities, and neighbourhoods. CLH models vary widely, but they all emphasize the importance of community engagement and collective decision-making. In some cases, CLH projects involve the non-speculative management of land and housing by communal organizations, cooperatives, foundations, or land trusts. These entities prioritize the social function of land over its financial value, promoting alternatives to the commodification of housing.

Between September and November 2020, a global survey and 52 interviews were conducted to document and analyze how communities and individuals responded to the multiple crises caused by the pandemic. The findings revealed a diverse range of community-led initiatives aimed at addressing housing challenges. These initiatives included the establishment of mutual aid networks, the creation of community gardens, and the development of cooperative housing projects. The survey and interviews highlighted the resilience and creativity of communities in the face of adversity, demonstrating the potential of CLH to provide sustainable and equitable housing solutions.

CLH takes many forms, each adapted to the specific needs and contexts of different communities. In Europe, CLH is often referred to as “collaborative housing,” emphasizing the importance of cooperation and shared living spaces. In Latin America, the concept is known as Social Production and Management of Habitat, focusing on the collective production and management of housing. These different forms of CLH share a common goal: to create housing that is affordable, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of its residents.

Community-led housing (CLH) offers a transformative approach to addressing the global housing crisis. By prioritizing community participation and collective ownership, CLH models provide a viable alternative to the commodification of housing. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of CLH, as communities around the world have demonstrated their capacity to respond to crises through innovative and collaborative solutions. As we look to the future, CLH holds the promise of creating more equitable, sustainable, and resilient housing systems that honor the right to adequate housing for all.

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