Inspired by its compromise with social transformation, Compensar designed and implemented on its own initiative a pioneering model of participation in social housing (Intervención en Vivienda de Interés Social (VIS)), aimed at building communities beyond housing delivery.

By means of a coaching process, the new families of VIS projects led by Compensar develop social and civic skills that stimulate the sense of community ownership. It also improves their quality of life, ensuring communal life, training leaders and creating opportunities for integral growth.

The cornerstones of the Social Community Development Model (Modelo Desarrollo Social Comunitario (MDSC)) are listed below:

• Developing and managing networks: In order to bring the programmes and services of government agencies and surrounding NGOs to the community.
   
• Education and training: Strengthens personal, family and collective development.
   
• Use of common spaces and public services: At communal and municipal levels.
   
• Empowerment and community autonomy: In order to avoid institutional dependence and ensure sustainability.

The MDSC has been implemented for three years in eight VIS projects, affecting 15,200 families. Particularly, it extended coverage to 700 families living in displacement or poverty, victims and perpetrators of the armed conflict, beneficiaries of the “New Life” programme (VidaNueva), a 100 per cent subsidised government housing programme.