Community Development Aspect of Housing

Housing

In modern concept it includes the physical structure providing shelter, as well as the immediate
surroundings and the related community services and facilities. In the past it was called as human
settlement which was defined as all places in which a group of people reside and pursue their life goals.
But the size of the settlement varies from a single family to million people.

Community

A group of people with common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society or a
body of persons or nations having a common history or common social, economic and political interests.

Community Development

A process whereby the efforts of government are united with those of the people to improve in the
social, cultural and economic conditions in community. It also the process designed to create conditions
economic and social progress for whole of community development with its active participation and
fullest possible reliance on community initiative

Why is housing important in community development?

Housing besides providing shelter and raising quality of life is known to be closely associated with
process of overall socio-economic development, generating employment, promoting industries and
creating conditions which remain supportive to the achievement of social objectives involving health,
sanitation and education.

The community development aspect of housing is a crucial component of urban planning and
development that focuses on creating and sustaining vibrant, inclusive, and healthy communities. It
goes beyond just building houses and involves various strategies and considerations to enhance the
overall well-being of residents and foster a sense of belonging and cohesion within a neighborhood or
community. Here are some key aspects of community development in the context of housing:

1. Affordability: Ensuring that housing is affordable to a wide range of income levels is

fundamental to community development. Affordable housing options help to prevent
displacement and create diverse, inclusive neighborhoods.

2. Mixed-Income Housing: Promoting a mix of income levels within a housing development or

neighborhood can help reduce socioeconomic segregation and create a more balanced and
inclusive community.

3. Accessibility: Housing should be designed to accommodate people of all abilities, including those
with disabilities and the elderly. This means ensuring that homes have features like ramps,
wider doorways, and accessible bathrooms.
 4. Green and Sustainable Design: Incorporating sustainable building practices and green
infrastructure not only benefits the environment but also contributes to a healthier and more
livable community. Sustainable housing can lead to lower utility costs and improved air quality.

5. Community Spaces: Designing housing developments with common areas, parks, and
community centers encourages social interaction and a sense of belonging among residents.

6. Transportation and Connectivity: Good transportation options, such as public transit, bike lanes,
and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, connect housing developments to essential services like
schools, healthcare, and employment centers.

7. Safety and Security: Creating safe and secure neighborhoods is vital for community
development. Measures like well-lit streets, neighborhood watch programs, and partnerships
with law enforcement can help improve safety.

8. Cultural and Social Services: Recognizing and celebrating the cultural diversity within a
community and providing social services like childcare, healthcare, and educational programs
can help residents thrive.

9. Community Engagement: Involving residents in the decision-making process for housing and
community development projects ensures that their needs and preferences are considered.
Community meetings, surveys, and feedback mechanisms are essential for this.

10. Economic Development: Encouraging economic opportunities within or near housing

developments, such as small businesses or job training programs, can contribute to the financial
well-being of residents and the overall vitality of the community.

11. Preservation and Rehabilitation: Renovating and preserving existing housing stock can be as
important as building new homes. This can help maintain the character of a neighborhood and
prevent displacement due to gentrification.

12. Inclusivity and Diversity: Promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity within a community
fosters a sense of belonging for all residents, regardless of their background.

There are at least three of their activities we can study to develop our housing strategies:

1. Organized public land invasions.

Some of the Latin America squatter groups have been so well-organized that they drop in large
numbers on vacant public lands during a single night, and here build themselves crude shelter
within the day (they are actually called parachutistas in Mexico City). Through their organized
persistence in solving their own unmet housing needs, these groups often force municipal
governments to upgrade their sites with basic utilities.

2. Expropriation of services.
Residents of squatter settlements have consistently sought to provide themselves with the
necessities of urban life. Instinctively aware that their migration to large industrial cities is
 encouraged by national policies of neglect to rural areas, they help themselves to essential
services by clandestine tapping of electric lines, sewers and water sources.

3. Informal sector occupations.

Rather than beg or sit and rot while the government looks for capital to invest in labor, a large
proportion of migrants to Third World cities start their own boot-strap enterprises--often on a
shoestring.

In summary, the community development aspect of housing is about creating not just physical
structures but also nurturing the social, economic, and environmental aspects of a neighborhood or
community. It aims to build places where people can live, work, play, and connect with one another
while enhancing their overall quality of life.

Reference:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/role-importance-housing-jit-kumar-
gupta#:~:text=Housing%20besides%20providing%20shelter%20and,objectives%20involving%20health%
2C%20sanitation%20and

https://www.slideshare.net/NovmeetSharma/housing-94176602

https://www.slideshare.net/RahulMahida1/community-development-64048908

https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1184&context=jssw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ENTrXbPeVM

https://www.academia.edu/69837365/Housing_and_community_development