Background

The Foundation for Rural Housing Costa Rica - Canada was created in 1983. Its main objective is to support development in rural areas of Costa Rica, through programs based on financing housing construction, social infrastructure and others complementary works, in order to reduce migration to urban areas. Moreover, it aims to promote and execute programs and projects for economical and social development of the most needed families located in rural areas.

Narrative

The Foundation Costa Rica - Canada was created in 1983. Its main goal is to develop economical and social conditions for rural population, reducing migration flow to urban centres. About 13,500 houses were financed during the period of 1983 and 1995. In 1988, the Foundation started to work through a National Finance System for housing. In 1989 the Foundation is authorized by the National Finance System to operate as one of the housing agencies.

Several problems and needs have been detected in rural areas. As a result, the Foundation elaborated an alternative plan including diversified programs related to productive projects, as well as the re-collection, transportation and disposal of final residues.

However, its main goal is to finance housing construction, which has a strong social and economical impact. The project uses local labour force for building houses, generating an additional income for most rural families. Access to houses built with good quality material, has a strong impact on life quality of poor rural families.

Nowadays, the Foundation works with approximately 188 rural organizations distributed in the following way: 47% cooperatives; 28% development associations; 8% agricultural centres; 5% regional unions; 4% mutual associations, and 8% other types of rural organizations.

Impact

• 1575 credits in 1995
• 13,500 houses financed in rural areas (1983-1995)
• Local labor force used in housing projects (employment and income generation)

Sustainability

The program on Rural Housing managed by the Foundation Costa Rica - Canada works in accordance with the politics and strategies determined by the Housing Sector. Annual goals and programming of needed resources are determined according to strategies established by this Sector.
The Foundation coordinates permanently with the "Banco Hipotecario de la Vivienda - BANHVI" to establish the required changes in methodology or procedures.
In order to build high-standard social houses, the Foundation keeps permanent contact with national institutions related to the construction sector. In that respect the foundation obtains up-to-date information about construction system, designs, material's quality, methods of water treatment, and so on. The professionals involved in construction are technically well trained. The designs of houses respond to urban and individuals' requirements.
The sustainability of this program is guaranteed as long as the Finance System for Housing exists, and as long as the Foundation and BAHNVI have enough resources to finance rural houses.

Indicators

• Number of given credits to families in rural areas;
• Ratio of number of given credits/total credit; applications
• Distribution of number of credits by region, by community, and by level of rural poverty.

Contact

Fundacion Costa Rica - Canada
San Jose
San Jose
Costa Rica
7767-1000
Tel.(506)234-2900
Fax.(506)234-9609

Sponsor

Fundacion para la Vivienda Rural Costa Rica - Canada
Fundacion Costa Rica - Canada
San Jose
San Jose
Costa Rica
7767-1000
Tel.(506)234-2900
Fax.(506)234-9609

Partners

Organizaciones Rurales (Rural Organizations)

Banco Hipotecario de la Vivienda (BANHVI)