Brazil to invest r$125.7 billion (us$ 78.1 billion) to build two million homes for low income families
17th June 2011
President Dilma Rousseff today launched the second phase of Brazil's "My House, My Life" housing program, with a goal of building two million housing units through an investment of R$ 125.7 billion (US$ 78.1 billion) from 2011 to 2014 – comprising R$ 72.6 billion (US$ 45.1 billion) for subsidies and R$53.1 billion (US$ 33 billion) for financing. This phase of the program will also expand the qualifying income range for beneficiaries in urban and rural households in order to accommodate more families, with priority given to lower income families.
"We want to ensure not only Brazil's economic growth and income distribution, but also the improvement of its living standards. In this context, housing plays a fundamental role," President Rousseff said today in Brasília during the program's launch ceremony.
A total of 1.2 million families earning up to R$ 1,600 (US$ 995) a month in urban areas and up to R$ 15,000 (US$ 9,327) annually in rural areas will be assisted through phase two of the "My House, My Life" program. Compared to phase one of the program, the number of families requesting assistance in this income range has risen from 40 percent to 60 percent of the total program applicants.
A total of 600,000 (30 percent) "My House, My Life" homes will be allocated to families with incomes up to R$ 3,100.00 (US$ 1,928) a month in urban areas and R$ 30,000 a year (US$ 18,660) in rural areas. Those with income up to R$ 5,000 (US$ 3,110) a month in urban areas and up to R$ 60,000 (US$ 37,325) annually in rural areas will benefit from 200,000 homes (10 percent of the total homes built by the program).
Launched in 2009 with a mission to tackle the country's housing shortage, the "My House, My Life" program surpassed its initial target of contracting the construction of one million new houses for lower income families in December 2010.
A number of improvements have been made since the first phase of the program, including:
Improved Homes
In phase two of the program, the average cost of homes for low income families will be R$ 55,188 (US$ 34,332) – an increase from the average cost of R$ 42,000 (US$ 26,128) during the program's first phase. Additionally, units are increasing in size from 35 m² to 39 m², which will also improve accessibility for elderly residents and and people with walking disabilities.
Houses and apartments will feature tile on all kitchen and bathroom walls, ceramic tile flooring in all rooms, and larger doors and windows. All homes will also have solar water heating, which will reduce energy costs for residents.
Increased Access for Women
Under phase two of the "My House, My Life" program, female heads of household may sign contracts regardless of their marital status. In the earlier program, a spouse's signature was required. This measure applies to all women with incomes up to R$ 1,600 (US$ 995) per month.
Local Partnerships
The federal government is working more closely with municipalities that receive funds to develop social activities with beneficiary families. These activities include community mobilization and organization, environmental and sanitary education, and employment and income generation efforts.
