The "Integrated Approaches to Poverty Reduction at the Neighborhood Level – A Cities Alliance" is a two-year technical assistance project implemented by HUDCC with funding assistance from the Cities Alliance and UN-Habitat. The project, which began in May 2005, seeks to institutionalize a Cities Without Slums (CWS) approach in participating cities in improved physical and socio-economic conditions of the socialized housing sector.



Interventions will include provision of basic infrastructure, livelihood/employment development, risks and capability building of LGUs and homeowners associations (HOA).

At the end of two years, 4 LGUs (Science City of Munoz, Iligan City , Puerto Princessa, and San Vicente) have shelter strategies institutionalized through city ordinance, created/strengthened housing office, and some have allocated budget. HOAs in 7 LGUs have  defined systems and policies, develop and implement small projects, and strengthened partnerships with other stakeholders.The DBP approved the first housing loan under the direct HOA lending track to a community in San Vicente, Palawan. IMPACT has influenced policy and program reforms through the DBP direct lending to  HOAs, alternative role of LGU (from borrower to guarantor), and institutionalization of shelter strategies through city ordinance.



The project is envisioned to complement HUDCC’s ongoing ODA projects such as the Development of Poor Urban Communities Sector Project (DPUCSP) and the Metro Manila Urban Services for the Poor Project (MMUSPP).