For us, 2023 was a year full of challenges, but also one of transformation and many achievements. Today we want to share a part of our story with you—and the small and big steps we’ve taken toward the Latin America and Caribbean we dream of. We invite you to celebrate them with us.
Our buildings are our identity; they define us and keep us alive as an organization. TECHO Honduras built 20 permanent homes in the municipality of San Pedro de Zacapa. This is the first time this type of housing has been built in the country, and it deserves a grand celebration.
TECHO also focused on bringing this type of housing to communities. It did so in partnership with Village Marie – Haiti, and together with community residents, they built 27 homes. This project is being carried out in the South Department, in an area affected by an earthquake in August 2021 that left 270,000 people homeless. These homes feature a full bathroom (including a sink, shower, and toilet), which is connected to a biodigester that provides families with access to safe electricity while fully utilizing the organic compost. Additionally, they recently confirmed the construction of 10 more homes, which are scheduled to be completed in July.
TETO Brazil also broke new ground with its “Moradia Semente ECO Sustentável” housing project . The first home was built in Porto de Areia, São Paulo. It is a sustainable home that, in addition to its social impact, has a significant environmental impact, as it is constructed from plastic-based materials.
TECHO Mexico has also achieved major milestones in terms of construction. In October, it partnered with Vivint to build 1 community center, 52 homes, and 52 SCALLS (rainwater harvesting systems). Meanwhile, that same month, Hurricane Otis devastated the state of Guerrero. The team and volunteers committed to helping the community in Guerrero and got to work providing solutions and support to the affected families. This month, they were able to reach the community and, working alongside the families, build the first 10 homes.
On the other hand, TECHO Argentina carried out a historic nationwide construction project to celebrate TECHO 20th anniversary TECHO the country. Throughout the month of March, all of the organization’s branches across the country built more than 100 emergency shelters on the same weekend to commemorate this anniversary by getting out into the neighborhoods and working alongside the communities. The team at TECHO . For its 15th anniversary, the team carried out three progressive housing construction projects simultaneously at its three branches across the country.
Other countries also celebrated their anniversaries in a big way. In June TECHO Uruguay celebrated its 20th anniversary in the country. Neighbors and volunteers who have been part of TECHO the years gathered on the street in front of the office to celebrate with the whole family. Artists also attended and set up a play area for the children. Meanwhile, TECHO the Dominican Republic celebrated 14 years of dedication and commitment in September to building a more just country free from poverty.
TECHO Paraguay also celebrated its 15th anniversary of building a more just country. They marked the occasion with activities designed to commemorate fifteen years of working side by side with more than 100,000 volunteers, 300 low-income communities, companies, and supportive individuals. They held the “Gramo Construyendo Impacto” event, which brought together all the stakeholders who make TECHO through inspiring talks that highlighted TECHO positive impact TECHO Paraguay. They also hosted their fundraising dinner, “El Quince de TODOS,” to celebrate all their achievements while raising funds to continue reaching more families. And to wrap things up, they carried out their anniversary construction project, reaching 60 families in two regions of the country.
Projects in Basic Services
Basic services projects are another of our key pillars. This year, several countries have focused on the lack of access to these services. In TECHO , the team carried out its first water and sanitation project. It will benefit more than 200 families. The project aims to ensure the community’s access to safe drinking water and to improve water consumption habits and overall health for community members. Meanwhile, despite the sociopolitical context and insecurity, TECHO has worked with the Durán canton to build a water supply system that will provide access to safe water for 1,600 people in the community. Also, TECHO the Dominican Republic has begun installing SCALLS. This system aims to guarantee the right to water by giving families the opportunity to have their own water collection spaces, improve their household finances, enhance family health, and generate a positive impact on the environment through more efficient use of water resources.
On the other hand TECHO Peru carried out a project called “Luz al Barrio,” which provided families in these communities with access to electricity. Seventy-two streetlights powered by solar panels were installed. These solutions provide nighttime lighting and security. This improves quality of life and drives socioeconomic development. Solar energy—renewable and sustainable—provides clean and affordable electricity, serving as a key solution for communities without access to conventional power grids.
In line with this, TECHO Panama has formed a strategic partnership with Evolve, paving the way for the installation of solar panels in TECHO homes. This is a major step forward and a significant benefit for the homes and, of course, for the families in the communities.
Data Collection to Influence Public Policy
TECHO Argentina, in collaboration with the national government, surveyed all regions of the country to update the National Registry of Low-Income Neighborhoods, which revealed that there are at least 6,467 shantytowns and settlements in Argentina, covering a total area of 684 km² and home to 1.2 million families.
In March, through #RAP 2023 TECHO visited more than 170 settlements to update data and collect new information. At the same time, it piloted a tool called “Aquí estamos” to provide the government with key and effective information. Additionally, in collaboration with the IDB, DAPSAN, MOPC, and REDAA, they conducted an assessment of water, sanitation, and hygiene in settlements within the Asunción Metropolitan Area (AMA). This assessment yielded valuable data on the challenges and current state of access to water and sanitation in these settlements, enabling them to make informed decisions and develop action plans to address these issues and challenges.
Campaigns and Initiatives
This year, creativity was an extremely valuable tool that played a prominent role in all countries, and they demonstrated this in many of their activities, enabling them to make an impact in original and unique ways.
TECHO El Salvador held a photography exhibition titled “Rebuilding Futures” in the capital’s historic center. They presented 32 photographs taken by their volunteers to highlight the before-and-after changes in the housing conditions of 16 families from communities with which we have worked, thereby raising awareness and sparking discussion.
In addition, as part of its annual fundraising campaign, the TECHO Uruguay hosted the first edition of the TECHO Neighborhood Cup. With support from Tenfield and Wild Fi, they organized a soccer match at the Los Muros community field featuring two teams, which was broadcast live on both television and via streaming. The two teams included neighborhood residents, soccer players, artists, influencers, and streamers.
TECHO Argentina carried out the “Timbrazo Electoral” action as part of the National Meeting of Community Leaders and the presidential campaign in Argentina. The action took place in front of the Casa Rosada. The action involved replicating the practice carried out by candidates during elections—visiting homes in different neighborhoods to present their proposals—but this time, it was residents of informal settlements who rang doorbells to ask people to open their doors and listen to their demands, so that these could be incorporated into the candidates’ electoral platforms. More than 300 people participated in the street, and more than 20,000 joined online.
TETO Brazil launched “Criando o futuro,” a training program aimed at young people who want to become true agents of change. This program features experts ready to share their knowledge and support everyone in bringing to life an impactful project that will enable them to lead teams, create action plans, spearhead fundraising efforts, and make it possible to build the first 20 emergency housing units by 2024.
Innovative Community Projects
TECHO El Salvador and Porsche completed the “Automotive Systems Diagnostic Mechanic Course.” With the goal of strengthening the skills of young people in local communities through education and employability, they conducted intensive training sessions for seven participants between the ages of 19 and 30. The sessions were divided into practical and theoretical components, allowing each student to gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of tool use, engine operation, brake and suspension systems, transmission systems, and automotive electrical systems. Additionally, a life skills module was included, designed to teach students about topics related to job searching. Finally, after 200 hours of study, the seven students received a certificate accrediting them as “Automotive Systems Diagnostic and Repair Technicians,” successfully completing the training program.
TECHO , together with the Venezuelan Humanitarian Fund, carried out the “RECONOCER” project. Through this initiative, the irrigation system at the Maurak Agricultural and Technical School in Bolívar State was rehabilitated. The project took about three months to complete and involved the mobilization of TECHO volunteers TECHO the local community. This marked the culmination of an incredible project with indigenous communities.
They also completed the renovation of 35 school kitchens in Yaracuy state with support from the WFP. It was a challenging task, but with the support of the entire team, it was carried out to the high standards that the schools deserve. Today, approximately 3,000 students will have access to a hot meal served at their schools.
Every milestone this year—no matter how big or small it may seem—moves us and inspires us to keep building dreams. These achievements are the result of the effort, commitment, and support of thousands of people who make all of this possible. Our deepest thanks to you and to everyone who is part of this great family. May 2024 find us working side by side so that no one will ever again have to live on a dirt floor.