Durango has officially joined the federal housing welfare program "Por una Mejor Vivienda" as part of efforts to improve living conditions for its residents, particularly vulnerable populations. The announcement was made by the Governor of Durango, Esteban Villegas Villarreal, who expressed strong commitment to the initiative aimed at providing financial assistance for housing improvements.
During the signing of the collaboration agreement, Villegas emphasized, "En Durango estamos listos para apostarle a la vivienda y a los títulos de propiedad,” highlighting the state’s readiness to support housing solutions. This partnership involves major national organizations, including the National Commission of Housing (CONAVI), the Ministry of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (SEDATU), INFONAVIT, and the Sustainable Land Institute (INSUS).
The initiative is rooted in the "Por una Mejor Vivienda" program, which is strategically implemented with the goal of addressing housing shortages across the nation. Families residing in Durango can apply for financial support amounting up to 90,000 pesos for enhancing or upgrading their homes. This assistance targets not only financial help but also aims to tackle issues of property legalities, offering individuals the chance to gain secure rights to their residences.
The program is structured to support urgent needs within the community, focusing predominantly on low-income families, women heads of household, recent graduates beginning their professional lives, elderly citizens, Indigenous people, and persons with disabilities. Addressing systemic housing insecurity is at the forefront of this collaboration, which has received backing from the highest offices of government, including President Claudia Sheinbaum.
According to the details shared by Villegas during the announcement, over 26,200 housing actions are expected to occur, with 5,800 housing units constructed by INFONAVIT and another 5,400 by CONAVI. The governor stated, "Esto no es solo la firma de un convenio, sino un paso para brindar legalidad, certeza y esperanza," signifying the importance of this program not just as bureaucratic formalities but as tangible relief for the people of Durango.
The initiative necessitates clear eligibility criteria for applicants, which include: being 18 years or older, not having benefited from similar programs between 2020 and 2024, residing within predetermined vulnerable areas across the 214 municipalities, and possessing the relevant documentation to assert property ownership or tenancy.
Potential beneficiaries must prepare and present required documents, including their CURP, proof of residence, valid identification, and legal documentation of housing ownership. The process does not stop at the submission; it includes visits from operational staff to facilitate the distribution of aid smoothly and effectively. This comprehensive approach ensures beneficiaries can manage resources effectively for construction materials and labor needed for improvements.
Though funds are provided for specific uses toward enhancing their living conditions, beneficiaries maintain autonomy over the management of resources allocated to them by the program. This empowers individuals to make choices about how best to utilize the financial aid meeting their unique housing circumstances.
Three months following the disbursement of funds, representatives from CONAVI will conduct follow-up visits to verify proper application of the resources, guaranteeing accountability and effective use of the support provided. Such oversight aims to bolster confidence among stakeholders in these significant investments toward improving housing conditions.
Further details reveal underlying goals beyond individual household improvements, as explained by Víctor Hugo Hofmann Aguirre, the Subsecretary of Territorial Organization, Urban Planning, and Housing at SEDATU. He stated, "El programa contempla la construcción de un millón de viviendas de interés social en todo el país," emphasizing the extent of the initiative’s reach across regions to serve those most adversely affected by economic conditions.
INFONAVIT aims to produce 5,800 new homes for right holders, enhancing their living conditions and contributing to the structural integrity of communities. Meanwhile, CONAVI's objectives also include the direct construction of 5,400 homes targeted at non-right holders, demonstrating the intention to inclusively cover various demographic needs.
Reflecting on the significance of obtaining secure property titles, Octavio Romero Oropeza, the Director of INFONAVIT, shared, "29 mil 955 personas en Durango han sido beneficiadas con el congelamiento de créditos," indicating substantial relief has been administered by halting previous unaffordable credit schemes.
The cooperative objectives of this housing program highlight the importance of fostering structural solutions to age-old issues surrounding housing rights and ownership. INSUS, through its director, José Alfonso Iracheta, also noted the goal of regularizing ownership for 30,000 homes within Durango, enhancing legal security for families.
This program is more than just creating homes; it is about building futures and stability for families who have long faced uncertainties surrounding their residences. The successful execution of these housing projects and community efforts can potentially transform Durango, shifting it toward becoming exemplary of integrated housing welfare practices.
Local leaders from municipalities including Durango, Gómez Palacio, and Lerdo attended the signing event, indicating broad regional support and collaborative enthusiasm. Through these joint efforts and clear directives toward vulnerable populations, Durango is on the cusp of implementing one of the ambitious housing initiatives witnessed across Mexico.
With the combined forces of state resources, national support, and commitment from local governance, the program strives to deliver real change for the community, setting not just housing standards but redefining the very essence of home ownership and dignity.