Goshen, USA

Over 50,000 low-income families in the United States have built their own affordable homes through an innovative ‘self-help’ (‘sweat equity’) housing programme. The Park Village project in Goshen is typical and provides 77 detached homes. Families are given pre-construction training and on-site building supervision. Each household has to contribute a minimum of 40 hours a week for up to 12 months; in return their homes cost about 20 to 25% less compared to equivalent market housing.

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