#15 Patrimonio Hoy - Housing Innovation for the Poor

DescriptionWhat happens when a cement company decides to tackle poverty, not just sell products? In this episode, we dive into the story of Patrimonio Hoy—an award-winning social innovation launched by CEMEX in Mexico that revolutionized how low-income families build their homes. Facing a housing deficit, financial exclusion, and the inefficiencies of informal construction, Patrimonio Hoy created a powerful model blending microfinance, group savings, technical guidance, and access to quality materials. Families who once spent years slowly adding rooms now build with speed, safety, and confidence.We’ll explore how the program evolved from a pilot in Guadalajara to a regional force that has empowered hundreds of thousands across Latin America. Along the way, we unpack the business model, the cultural insights that shaped it, and how women played a pivotal role in its growth—as customers, promoters, and community leaders. Patrimonio Hoy is more than a housing initiative—it’s a blueprint for inclusive business that delivers value for both corporations and communities. KeywordsPatrimonio Hoy, CEMEX, Inclusive business, Affordable housing, Social innovationMicrofinance, Urban development, Latin America, Financial inclusion, Women empowerment, Cement industry, Corporate social responsibility