Observers of slums and squatter settlements in the Third World have often noted that, left to their own resources, poor people gradually improve their shelter over time. Poor as they are, the invest very considerable amounts of energy, resources, and ingenuity on the construction and improvement of their houses. Consequently, it has been suggested that government, which cannot build houses for everyone by itself, must recognize and legitimize these constructive efforts by removing obstacles and constraints to the house improvement and by providing essential public services. Given the freedom and the opportunity, people gradually mobilize their savings, their labor, their creative abilities and their social networks to house themselves.
