CoHabitat

CoHabitat Network is a collaborative initiative that brings together grassroots federations, umbrella organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions focused on community-led housing (CLH) and housing rights. Founded in 2014 as the Social Production of Habitat Forum by the Swiss NGO urbaMonde, it was officially renamed CoHabitat Network in 2018. The network aims to strengthen communities in their role as urban designers, developers, and builders by promoting collective, non-speculative, and people-driven housing solutions. It operates across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and North America, connecting organizations that work to secure affordable and sustainable housing through community-led approaches. CoHabitat Network has developed several key tools to support its mission: the CoHabitat.io database, an open data platform documenting CLH projects worldwide; regional meetings for knowledge exchange; Network Awards that celebrate innovative CLH initiatives; and the Habitat Solidarity Fund, which addresses the lack of affordable finance for community housing projects. Through these initiatives, the network has successfully organized international meetings, developed global partnerships, produced educational resources, and carried out awareness campaigns. Their work focuses on co-producing knowledge through peer learning, connecting people across regions, and co-designing affordable financial tools that make community-led housing more attainable. By empowering local communities, CoHabitat Network aims to develop long-term solutions to urban challenges related to climate change and social transformation through solidarity and resilience.