Build Change, a global expert on disaster-resilient housing in informal markets, has announced two new partnerships that are shifting power to women and people of color to tackle the major barriers to climate-resilient housing. These innovative projects are addressing the pressing needs of vulnerable communities facing the combined challenges of the housing crisis and the climate crisis.
In Indonesia, over 2,000 women who earn less than $5 per day will benefit from a new microloan product called the Incremental Climate Adaptation Loan (ICAL). This program, a collaboration between Build Change and the microfinance savings and loan cooperative KOMIDA, will provide financing for homeowners to improve their homes and reduce indoor temperatures. The ICAL combines financial support with technical assistance through Build Change’s technology platform, BCtap, empowering women to create comfortable, affordable, and resilient homes. This 18-month partnership will initially improve up to 20 homes in 2024, with the goal of scaling up to reach 25,000 low-income women across Indonesia in 2025.
Meanwhile, in Colombia’s Urabá region, which is on the frontlines of the treacherous Darien Gap and faces historical marginalization, mass migration, and the devastating effects of climate change, a new partnership is being formed to empower Afro-Colombian communities. Build Change will provide technical assistance and capacity building to five community organizations in four municipalities to help them promote demand for climate-resilient housing and implement the “Cambia mi Casa” program, a national initiative aimed at improving 400,000 homes across Colombia. This partnership, funded by Echoing Green, a long-time supporter of Build Change, will advance racial justice and equity by enhancing access to housing improvement programs and transforming national housing policies.
These initiatives highlight Build Change’s commitment to building a more just and sustainable future. As the organization celebrates 20 years of impact, they are driven by the belief that climate resilience is possible and that empowered communities are essential to achieving it. Build Change is demonstrating that by working together, we can overcome the challenges of the housing and climate crises and create a world where everyone has access to safe, affordable, and climate-resilient housing.
