Families Occupy Unfinished Minha Casa, Minha Vida Homes in Petrolina

Dozens of families have occupied unfinished homes in the Nova Vida III residential complex in Petrolina, Pernambuco, since Friday night, July 24th. The complex is part of the Brazilian government's Minha Casa, Minha Vida housing program and is still under construction, with an expected delivery date by the end of the year. Occupants cite long waiting lists, some dating back to 2009, and their inability to continue paying rent or find alternative housing as reasons for their actions.

Among the families are Carla Patrícia Sena, a mother of eight who has been seeking housing since 2009, and Ykara Carolina dos Santos, a paraplegic retiree with two dependent children who struggles with a minimum wage pension and high rent. Thais Silva, a mother of four, also joined the occupation after years of unsuccessful attempts to secure housing through the program. Despite the occupation, construction continues with over 100 workers on site. Currently, 84,573 people are registered for the Minha Casa, Minha Vida program in Petrolina, with registrations for 300 units remaining open until July 31st. New program rules include a family income limit of R$3,200 and a 50% allocation for single mothers. The Petrolina Prefecture stated that the administration of the complex is the responsibility of Caixa Econômica Federal and the construction company, while Caixa has announced it will investigate the unauthorized occupations.