Self-Help Housing Policies and Practices in Cuba

In revolutionary Cuba, the state theoretically assumed responsibility to guarantee adequate housing to everybody. This was one of the promises of the revolution, but could only be fulfilled in parts due to the limited state resources and a general bias towards industrial investments of all socialist governments at the time. Therefore, during the first 20 years after the revolution, the state was only able to one fourth of all new constructions, while the rest was erected by the residents themselves (but with some state assistance - especially in rural areas).  However, with the US blockade following missile crisis, industrial production came to a standstill, and the now idle labour force was diverted to house building activities with the assistance of the state. This innovative approach, known as the Micro Brigades, eventually contributed to more than 10% of the entire housing stock (also including all historical housing units). Although different other self-help housing schemes continue to exist until today, the Micro Brigades - which do not require substantial imports of material - represent the most innovative and effective house building program in Cuba, if not universally.