CoHabitat, as detailed on its website, is not a singular organization but an international collaborative platform focused on exchanging knowledge, practices, and innovations related to community-led housing. The initiative draws together various networks, organizations, and individuals worldwide who are engaged in strategies for affordable, sustainable dwelling solutions.
The platform was initiated to support the global movement for community-led housing, addressing the persistent lack of access to decent housing in both urban and rural areas. CoHabitat acts as a hub for sharing practical resources, research, and case studies. It is closely linked to organizations such as "Habitat International Coalition" and the "World Habitat Awards," both of which regularly contribute project data and expertise to the network.
A defining aspect of CoHabitat’s work is its interactive Atlas, a database that documents over 90 community-led housing projects from more than 20 countries (latest numbers as of 2024). These entries are detailed, covering ownership models, technical innovations, financing, governance, and impacts on residents. Notable examples include housing cooperatives in Latin America and participatory slum upgrading initiatives in Africa.
CoHabitat’s activities also include hosting annual assembly meetings and webinars, convening practitioners and advocates to discuss emerging challenges and policy approaches. The scope of the platform is broad: it covers legal frameworks, financing schemes, co-design methodologies, resident self-management, and links between housing and broader social justice agendas.
Rather than directly implementing projects, CoHabitat’s strength lies in documenting, facilitating exchange, and amplifying local experiences to influence policy and practice at broader scales.