Alicia Maneiro - Cooperative Housing in Uruguay

In this enlightening episode of 'Co-op Conversations', we dive into the world of cooperative housing with guest Alicia Maneiro, President of CUDECOOP - the Confederation of Cooperatives in Uruguay. Alicia talks about the unique model of housing cooperatives in Uruguay that has shaped the cooperative housing landscape in Latin America and Europe. She highlights the key concepts of building communities and not just houses, and how these communities foster strong, supportive bonds.

We delve into the intricacies of Uruguay's cooperative housing model, discussing self-help, self-management, and the hereditary rights within cooperatives. This episode also pays tribute to the principles of mutual aid and previous savings modalities in cooperative housing, with a particular focus on self-management and direct democracy.

We discuss the broader applications of education initiatives in cooperative housing and explore the strategy of making land available for these projects. Also discussed are policies and how diverse government actions have influenced the progress, recognition, and sometimes slowdown, of the housing cooperatives.

Listen to the engaging narrative of the cooperative housing movement in Uruguay, its growth, struggles, and resilience, and how it has significantly empowered thousands of families nationwide. The episode further investigates the post-construction roles of residents, the interplay of cooperativism and politics, and the influence of neighbouring Argentina's political direction.

Get acquainted with FUCVAM's efforts to promote the cooperative model abroad, its dedication to sustaining its impact model without foreign aid, and its recent land acquisition ventures. Finally, we illuminate the association between services, land centrality, and how construction projects have adapted due to land scarcity in central locations.

Join us for a comprehensive look into the world of cooperative housing, politics, international work, and their present challenges. Visit us at housinginternational.coop for more insights, resources, and stories about co-op housing worldwide, and join our vibrant social media community on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.