Tracing a long history of the Habitat International Coalition and the social production of habitat
Enrique Ortiz and Maria Silvia Emanuelli (HIC-AL), and Ana Vilenica
Published in Issue 6.1 // Conversation Series
Keywords: Coalitions, housing, habitat, movement history, social production of housing, internationalism
Abstract:
In “Tracing a long history of the Habitat International Coalition and the social production of habitat,” Ana Vilenica engages with Enrique Ortiz and Maria Silvia Emanuelli from HIC-AL to explore the evolution of housing justice movements and the role of the Habitat International Coalition (HIC) in advocating for social production of housing. The conversation provides a historical perspective on the coalition’s inception. It outlines the foundational moments of HIC, detailing the coalition’s growth out of a collective need to address housing as a human right. Enrique shares experiences from the formative years of HIC, where he connected with grassroots movements and organizations across Latin America, fostering a network that would support the social production of habitat. The Conversation highlights the strategic pivot HIC made towards reinforcing a global network that respects regional differences and promotes a common strategy grounded in human rights. It also underscores the need for a collective effort to influence public policy and the necessity of solidarity among various social economy and housing groups.