For 25,000 Chileans, the dream of their own home is called the “Solitary Living Fund,” a system offered by the government of Chile and permits that 40% of the poorest of the population apply for, through a savings account, social housing. While the amount of the subsidy is 280 UF, a little more than 6 million pesos, applicants must ensure a minimum savings of 220,000 pesos. There are certain conditions to that must be met to be considered for a spot. Neither the head of the family or their spouse can be owners of a home or have received a housing subsidy of any type. A husband or wife may not apply at the same time, even if they are separated.
On many occasions they make cooperative requests, whole communities join together and organize within a housing committee to fundraise and apply for a whole neighborhood. So the neighbors organize bingos, parties, sales, and other activities that can make them money. Together they bear the wait, until that day arrives in which they can place in their assigned lot a sombolic first rock. A day where some cry, others laugh and a few are simply limited to stunned observations.
But beyond the statistics, if one sharpens the view with a magnifying glass, there are personal stories that demonstrate the significance of the daily battle for a family to keep moving forward, more than that to contrive that 10 UF that is required of applicants. Nothing is easy for those who are at the most vulnerable place in soceity. For many, the dream collapses during their path.
Verónica Pierola (27), María Luisa Palma (60) and Bernardita Riquelme (30) don’t know each other but have something in common. They are three women and heads of family and have done almost the impossible to get their own house for themselves, their kids and their nieces and grandchildren.
Veronica is a homemaker, and sells cakes, empanadas and bread as her job. The kitchen in her last place didn’t even have a roof over it.
María Luisa is from Quisco and, despite her age, she works as an employee, she helps in a tango club, takes cares of old people, and sells fried fish.
Bernardita has four children. She manages a small business and every weekend she leaves early to sell in the Lo Espejo market. However, despite her efforts to apply for the Solitary Living Fund, she eventually withdrew from the program without seeing her dream come true.
©Luis Sergio