Bamboo and wood houses, direct dialogue with families, tours of neighborhoods and construction sites, coordination meetings with local partners, and the signing of agreements for future projects marked SELAVIP's visit.
As part of its annual agenda of monitoring and supporting the projects it funds in Latin America, the foundation visited Ecuador, a country of more than 18 million inhabitants where poverty affects 21.4% of the population (approximately 4 million people) and nearly 2 million households lack adequate housing. Within the Latin American context, Ecuador is currently among the countries with the highest levels of poverty, with rates exceeding the global average, demonstrating how far the region still is from guaranteeing basic rights such as housing.
Since 2022, the foundation had been unable to conduct in-person activities in the country due to pandemic-related restrictions, making this visit essential to learn about the projects. This trip allowed them to re-establish direct contact with partner teams and with the families whose homes have been transformed thanks to projects funded by SELAVIP.
One of the main focuses of the tour was the work with the Hogar de Cristo Ecuador Housing Corporation, an ally for over five decades. This long-standing collaboration has promoted sustainable housing solutions, adapted to the local context and aimed at providing dignity and security to families in highly vulnerable situations.
In addition to Hogar de Cristo, Somos Ecuador Foundation and Raíz Ecuador Foundation complete this local network, expanding the reach and impact of interventions in different communities across the country.
As part of the visit, the delegation learned about the housing manufacturing processes and spoke directly with the beneficiary families, gathering experiences and assessments about the concrete impact of these solutions on their daily lives.
As part of his agenda, Said participated in the public meeting "Of Wood and Cane," organized by Hogar de Cristo Ecuador. Despite the heavy rain, attendance was excellent. The event brought together representatives from civil society, academia, and the private sector to reflect on the right to decent housing. At this meeting, the executive director confirmed "the continuation of our support for two more years for the financing of wood and cane housing, so hated by some and loved by the poorest."
During the meeting, tributes were paid to key figures in SELAVIP's history, such as Father Josse Van der Rest, S.J., the institution's founder, and his close relationship with Father Francisco García Jiménez, S.J. (Uncle Paco), both inspired by the legacy of Father Alberto Hurtado, S.J., a leading figure in social justice in Latin America and founder of the Hogar de Cristo (Home of Christ). In this context, Sergio Said was recognized for his commitment and career, highlighting his work and leadership in SELAVIP's sustained efforts in Ecuador and throughout the region.
Over the past ten years, the foundation has approved 13 housing projects in Ecuador, benefiting 824 families, with a total investment of nearly USD 1.200.000. Of these projects, 11 have already been visited and supervised on-site, while two new initiatives, selected for 2026, are in the agreement signing stage with Hogar de Cristo Ecuador and Raíz Ecuador Foundation.
This visit reaffirms SELAVIP's commitment to the close and responsible monitoring of the projects it finances, as well as to strengthening local partnerships that, through community work, contribute to generating dignified and sustainable housing solutions for the most vulnerable families.
Spanish