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International Housing Coalition (IHC) |
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Washington D.C. 20002 Tel: +1-202-408-8506/8507 Fax: +1-202-248-5099 info@intlhc.org |
About the IHC and Its ProgramsThe International Housing Coalition (IHC) was organized by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) to promote the goal of “HOUSING FOR ALL” as an essential element to ending poverty worldwide. The IHC was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in August 2005 and was granted tax exempt status in October 2006. In addition to its three founding sponsors, 33 other organizations, including private companies, non-profit groups and academic/research institution have joined the coalition and continue to contribute to its work.The IssueMore than a billion people live in slums in sub-standard shelter without access to clean water and sanitation. In developing countries more than a million people are born in or move to cities every week, and in 10 years the urban population will exceed the rural population. While urban growth may be inevitable, the dire living conditions of the urban poor are not. The case for a robust effort to address urban slum conditions has been well developed, and becomes only more relevant as the developing world becomes more and more urbanized. Investing in housing and urban services has many benefits:
The IHC ApproachThe IHC strategy is to effect policy and programmatic change in foreign assistance through an advocacy program based on a broad coalition of varied organizations. The advocacy efforts are integrated with and draw strength from the Organization’s active engagement in housing and urban development applied research, information sharing, and policy advice in selected countries.Advocacy. The IHC is involved in a range of advocacy activities and methods:
Policy engagement in selected countries. The IHC supports direct engagement in a small number of developing countries concerning broad housing and urban development policy at the national or city level (e.g. land tenure laws, housing finance systems). As part of its overseas work, the IHC engages new and existing shelter advocacy groups in individual countries, building an international advocacy network. The IHC and the Future of U.S. Foreign Aid In 2009 the new U.S. government administration is expected to re-examine foreign aid programming and consider new approaches and assistance levels. The IHC, with partner groups, is organizing a coalition to engage the new administration on incorporating urban issues into a rejuvenated foreign assistance strategy and program. |
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