Birgelina Paya’s story highlights the challenges of informal settlement development, where she and her family initially built bamboo shacks and struggled with basic services. A turning point came when the “Techo para Mí País” program provided her family with a stable home, improving their living conditions. Birgelina has since contributed to the local economy through a small fried food business while participating in community development, such as helping with infrastructure improvements. She aspires to legalise the settlement and enhance local services, highlighting the role of community solidarity and programs like “Techo para Mí País” in addressing housing needs.