São Paulo’s housing crisis: from Minhocão shelter to microhousing solutions

São Paulo’s iconic overpass, Minhocão, stretches through the heart of  South America’s largest city.

Known officially as Elevado Presidente João Goulart, this landmark is a refuge for many.

Increasingly, under this 3.5 km structure, homeless families set up tents and were displaced due to soaring rents.

Many others rely solely on blankets provided by the city as shelter.

A recent online listing of a 28 m² studio apartment in São Paulo, priced at R$420,000 (US$85,000), ignited debate.

The apartment, located near two universities in the Higienópolis district, highlights the city’s housing issue.

São Paulo’s authorities estimate about 34,000 people live on the streets, though some figures suggest up to 50,000.

Homelessness has risen by 31% since the pandemic, doubling the number of families living on the streets.

The city introduced a temporary solution: the Micro-house (MiniCasa).

The first micro-house village was set up near the Tiete River near one of São Paulo’s original favelas.

Now, around 20 families reside there, each in an 18 m² unit resembling a shipping container.

With plans to construct 1,000 such houses citywide, housing 4,000 residents, São Paulo’s initiative is inspired by the “Housing First” concept, emphasizing shelter as the primary step towards rehabilitation.

However, experts believe micro-houses are not the ideal solution.

Concerns arise about clustering these homes, potentially forming ghettos in a nation already grappling with notorious favelas and inequalities.

Even these less desirable places have become unaffordable for many.