Today’s Solutions: July 07, 2025

Many millions of people are kept in poverty as their homes aren’t registered. As they lack “property rights,” they may be evicted any time. That’s why banks won’t serve them, and why they may be expelled from governmental social services. As Peruvian economist Hernando de Soto has shown, it takes an awful lot of time and resources to establish property rights if you’re a slum dweller. A Medellin, Colombia-based startup called Suyo is now trying to change that. Its team of agents helps registering householders more cheaply and linking them to low-cost financing. Suyo is performing a full audit of the property, recording spatial data on a mobile app and taking pictures. After collecting sale documents, property tax and utility payment receipts, Suyos agents collect testimonials from neighbors about the time families have spent in their homes. Eventually, they can offer a property formalization service. Matt Alexander, founder of Suyo, says: “There’s a need for intermediaries to help low-income families to navigate the property system and attain access to the legal framework that exists.” It can be an important step on the way to escape poverty.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

This high-tech paint ‘sweats’ to cool your home naturally

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM What if your home could beat the heat by sweating, just like your skin? A team of scientists ...

Read More

7 Reasons to sign your teen up for Model UN

Following the United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, your child may be asking some questions about what exactly the UN is and how they ...

Read More

This is how strip malls could provide a solution to the housing crisis

From San Jose, California, until San Francisco along El Camino Real you can find stretches a six-lane road outfitted with an endless stretch of ...

Read More

How to “unghost” a past friend, according to friendship experts

In a perfect world, no one would ever end a personal relationship by abruptly stopping all communication with no explanation—In other words, “ghosting.” However, ...

Read More