São Paulo Redevelopment project displaces Residents of Last Favela
SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL – A large-scale urban renewal project is forcing the relocation of families from the Cortiço São José, considered São paulo’s last conventional favela, as the city government moves forward with plans to replace the historic settlement with modern housing. Approximately 25% of the families registered with the Companhia de Desenvolvimento Habitacional Urbano (CDHU), the city’s housing advancement agency, have already relocated, though the accuracy of this figure is disputed by residents who express deep distrust of official data.
The displacement marks the culmination of decades-long efforts to eliminate favelas from São Paulo,often justified as improvements to public health and safety,but criticized by activists as erasing the cultural heritage and displacing vulnerable communities. The CDHU is offering new housing units in exchange for residents leaving Cortiço São José, but concerns are mounting over the suitability of the replacement homes and allegations that some are properties stalled on the real estate market. The situation is further elaborate by reports of individuals attempting to occupy demolished properties in hopes of securing government compensation.
De Barros,a resident who recently moved into a new two-bedroom home provided by the CDHU,expressed a sense of relief despite initial concerns.”now,” she stated, “I have what is mine.” However, her 15-year-old daughter voiced a common worry among those relocated, lamenting, “Mom, nothing will fit.”
A CDHU staff member, speaking anonymously for fear of losing their job, revealed that some of the offered housing consists of properties that have failed to sell through conventional channels. This has fueled skepticism among residents about the true value of the relocation packages and the government’s commitment to providing adequate housing. The ongoing displacement raises questions about the future of affordable housing in São Paulo and the preservation of the city’s unique social fabric.
