Cooperative housing is designed to keep housing affordable and operates on a not-for-profit basis.

In some countries, housing co-ops offer housing to people with low incomes as part of their social purpose. Sometimes co-ops get assistance from the government whereas, in countries with limited economic resources, people organize themselves to provide adequate homes for their families.

Moreover, housing co-ops are independent associations. They follow the laws that apply to them and their agreements with governments or other organizations.

In the Global South, some people pool their resources and work together to build and manage their housing co-op. These are called mutual-aid self-help co-ops.

Watch the video for more details.