Strategy

The problem of the Favela

The term subnormal aglomerate (Substandard groupings), previously known as a Zone of special social interest, was coined by the Brazilian Geography and Statistics Institute (IBGE) in 2010 to decribe a neighbourhood of at least 51 dwellings whether houses or other dwelling places such as sheds etc, that are or were until recently, set on illegally occupied private or public land not designated for housing, built in a haphazard, dense, poor quality manner and lacking in proper public services.

Despite the lack of official figures for 2016, Urban planners and sociologists agree that it is likely that the number of Favelas has risen since the last census in 2010 based on periodic reports of surges of illegal occupations in a number of areas.

The issue of Favelas has assumed an unprecedented importance in Brazil's history. The 2010 census revealed that the number of Brazilians living in substandard conditions had risen from over 6.5 million in 2000 to 11.4 million in 2010 in 6,329 communities aross 323 municipal areas: of which 88% are concentrated in 20 large cities.

The economic crisis, rental levels and the lack of affordable homes for low income people are the main reason for the growth in the number of people living in Favelas.[1]

IBGE highlights in its publication that investment in homes and sanitation "was not sufficient to meet strong and growing demand" from people who have relocated to the cities in search of work.[2]

Brasil is one of the most economically unequal countries in the world. Government data shows that 10% of the population are earning 50% of GDP and approximately 8.5% of the population lives below the poverty line.[3]

Our Model for Social sustainability

We are building social rented housing that will be occupied by needy families who will receive ongoing support over a 5 year social development programme.

More than just a house

The difference with our proposal compared to other similar ideas is that we do not simply look at housing as a solution. We support and encourage the families, working with them to identify areas for development that will help to improve their social skills. Tailored solutions will seek to identify and promote talents and abilities to help the family's social development, thus we hope to avoid the two negative outcomes that are so prevalent:

1 - Families' return to the favela- The provision of a house and public services does not guarantee that a family will not return to the favela.

2 - The transformation of the new social housing into a favela.

The houses

The Open Hands residential development will comprise a community centre, common recreational space and eight three bedroom houses of 807sq ft each with a combined lounge, dining area and kitchen.

In order to reduce overhead running costs, the houses will have a rainwater capture system and solar heating for shower water.

Choosing the families

We will use a variety of means to choose the families who will live in this project. This will including referals from social services and other third sector organisations. The Open Hands team, in consultation with social services and other NGO's will establish their suitability by visiting and interviewing the families.

The criteria for choosing the families will include amongst others: Marital status, number of children, state of existing dwelling, criminal record, reputation with the neighbours and state of health.