Deutsche Entwicklungshilfe für soziales Wohnungs- und Siedlungswesen e.V.

DESWOS (Deutsche Entwicklungshilfe für soziales Wohnungs- und Siedlungswesen e.V.) is a confessional and politically independent, non-profit association that has been actively working since 1969 to combat housing shortages and poverty in developing countries. Founded by non-profit housing companies and their associations, DESWOS has the clear mandate to help the poorest segments of the population in the Global South through self-help initiatives.

DESWOS focuses on integrated projects that, in addition to the construction of housing, also include the creation of income opportunities, training in in-demand professions, improving hygiene and health care, as well as establishing social facilities. Key activities include:

• The construction of residential buildings and schools
• Ensuring water supply
• Promoting economic livelihood security
• Supporting the expansion and renovation of educational institutions, such as the primary school in Pakistan for Christian minorities[1][3][5].

The main mission of DESWOS is to create dignified living and housing conditions that serve as a foundation for overcoming poverty. The organization is convinced that housing not only provides protection against climate change and natural disasters but also enables dignity, security, and community – fundamental human rights that are essential for all people[1][3].

DESWOS is actively committed to sustainable development. This includes:

• Climate Resilience: Projects aimed at mitigating life-threatening consequences of global climate change, such as fires, heavy rainfall, and hurricanes, in regions like El Salvador. This includes the construction of resilient housing and securing natural habitats[1].
• Social Inclusion: Networking with local non-profit organizations and promoting the exchange of technical and social know-how to develop long-term solutions[2].
• Ecological Agriculture: Promoting ecological agriculture and livelihood security to improve people's living conditions[1].

DESWOS is supported by over 600 housing companies and numerous private members, most of whom belong to the German housing industry. These members finance the work of DESWOS through contributions and additional donations that flow directly into project work. The organization holds the donation seal of the German Central Institute for Social Issues (DZI), which underscores its transparency and efficiency[2][3][5].

Through its long-standing work, DESWOS has already built approximately 37,000 buildings in Asia, Africa, and South America and directly supported around 250,000 people. With a total budget of over 61 million euros in more than 410 projects in over 50 partner countries, DESWOS continuously sets standards in development aid[5].

• 1 - https://www.deswos.de
• 2 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deutsche_Entwicklungshilfe_f%C3%BCr_soziales_Wohnungs-_und_Siedlungswesen
• 3 - https://www.deswos.de/%C3%BCber-uns/
• 4 - https://www.betterplace.org/de/organisations/48114-deswos-e-v
• 5 - https://www.gdw.de/die-wohnungswirtschaft/deswos/