Empowered participation
Empowered participation incorporates the priorities, needs, experiences and voices of individuals and their communities into decision-making processes.
Communities know their unique needs and want to work toward solutions, but residents of informal settlements often are left out of decision-making.
Informal settlements demonstrate people’s power and ability to build community in the face of systemic barriers that marginalize, disenfranchise and exclude. With empowered participation, people can negotiate their own needs and contribute to the health and well-being of their larger community.
Home Equals will support policy solutions that:
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Formalize participatory policies that prioritize community.
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Use community data collection and mapping to inform participatory planning, budgeting and service delivery.
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Incentivize products and services so low-income households can improve their housing incrementally.
Meaningful participation is at the heart of equitable access to adequate housing and has been shown to be essential for building sustainable communities and neighborhoods.
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We support policies that prevent eviction, support renters and protect the land and property rights of women, indigenous groups and vulnerable people.
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We support policies that expand and improve the provision of basic services like clean drinking water and sanitation facilities.
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We support policies that reduce vulnerabilities and help people adapt to climate-related hazards and threats.