Casa Real Project encourages social action through housing 

(MissionNewswire) The Casa Real Project, located in Lorena, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, encourages architecture and urban planning students attending Teresa D’Ávila University Center to develop their professional skills through social action aimed at providing decent housing for those in need.

Professor José Ricardo Flores Faria explained, “In 2011, we held the first edition of the course, still as an architecture and urbanism exhibition, which was set up and then dismantled. In 2013, it became a real project, with a social aspect. We looked for an institution that needed renovations, and the first was the Maria de Nazareth Elderly Shelter. We renovated all areas of the shelter, except for the elderly residents’ rooms.”

The successful project was driven by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, who support the university. The Casa Real Project continued to be carried out every two years, with renovations in 2015 at the Lorena Center for the Visually Impaired and two years later at the Vila Vicentina da Sagrada Família Long-Term Care Home.

In 2019, the Casa Real Project began to serve families in poverty in the outlying neighborhoods of Lorena. Faria said, “We adopted the theme of decent housing and began renovating the homes of people in socially vulnerable situations. Currently, these families are referred by Lorena’s Diocesan Caritas, which has become a partner in the project. Families need to have a very specific profile, owning the property and at the same time being vulnerable in terms of housing.”

Each year, fourth-year students are responsible for the Casa Real Project. They choose the family that will benefit from the project from among those referred by Caritas. They conduct interviews to determine the family’s housing needs and photograph and measure the house. They survey the costs and materials needed, develop the entire renovation project, which is discussed and adjusted with the family, and launch a campaign to raise funds and materials. Lastly, they monitor the execution of the work, solving any problems and unforeseen events that may arise.

Faria added, “The cool thing is that when we meet graduates of the course, their fond memories are tied to this project. Because it does so much good for others and because it’s something really practical, the students get a real sense how the work is done. When they advance in their studies, they find it easier to obtain and adapt to internships in architecture and engineering firms, as they already have concrete work experience in the field.”

Faria believes that the project’s significant social impact is another distinguishing feature in the students’ education, explaining that the intervention goes far beyond aesthetics and improving the physical space. It involves drainage and sewage systems, renovations to prevent leaks and mold, and sanitation issues.

He recalls the case of a house that had a toilet but not a complete bathroom. The only tap was outside and was used by the family for everything including water for bathing, washing dishes and doing laundry. Faria noted, “When the renovation is done, the impact on these people’s quality of life was noticeable, opening up new horizons for that family, and that is very rewarding.”

###

Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Brazil – “Casa Real”: a project combines professional training with social action

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil