Transforming homes from the root: Habitat’s 2025 Housing Forum

In a country where thousands of families still struggle to access safe and adequate housing, Habitat’s 2025 Housing Forum became a crucial space for dialogue, innovation, and commitment. Organized by Habitat for Humanity Guatemala, the event brought together leaders from government, private sector, academia, civil society, and international cooperation under the theme “Impactar desde la raíz: soluciones al déficit habitacional” — “Impact from the root: solutions to the housing deficit.”

The 17th edition of the National Housing Forum reaffirmed that solving Guatemala’s housing challenges requires more than temporary fixes, it demands collaboration, shared vision, and long-term strategies.

Tackling Structural Causes of the Housing Crisis

Participants identified several root causes behind the country’s persistent housing gap, including multidimensional poverty, limited access to land, low financial inclusion, and unequal urban growth.

“Decent housing is not just a roof, it’s the root of health, education, and opportunity,” said Álvaro Herrera, President of the National Steering Committee of Habitat for Humanity Guatemala. “Structural causes are not solved overnight, but we can transform them through collective will and commitment.”

Speakers emphasized that systemic collaboration among sectors is the only path toward sustainable and inclusive housing solutions in Guatemala.

Evidence, Innovation, and Partnerships Driving Change

A highlight of the event was the presentation of results from “100 mil pisos para jugar”,  an impact evaluation showing how replacing dirt floors with concrete significantly improves family well-being. The program demonstrated that a seemingly small change can reduce disease, boost household economies, and improve children’s health and happiness.

“This forum is an opportunity to demonstrate how partnerships like these pave the way toward adequate housing for all,” said Delorean Randich, National Director of Habitat Guatemala.

A Shared Agenda for Social Transformation

The forum’s agenda included keynote conferences, technical panels, and research presentations on innovation in housing, circular economy, financial inclusion, and progressive housing models across Latin America.

Beyond discussions, the event inspired attendees to take action, combining evidence-based approaches, community participation, and creative solutions to drive lasting impact.

Building from the Root: A Vision for the Future

More than an event, Habitat’s 2025 Housing Forum reaffirmed Habitat Guatemala’s mission to transform lives by addressing housing from its roots. With innovation, collaboration, and evidence at its core, the organization continues to promote solutions that enable families to live in safe, healthy, and thriving homes.

As Habitat for Humanity Guatemala moves forward, the message is clear: when we build together from the root, we build lasting change.