The city of Juiz de Fora has officially launched the first phase of its 'Compra Assistida' (Assisted Purchase) program, a major initiative designed to provide new permanent housing for families who lost their homes during the devastating storms that struck the region in February. The announcement was made by Mayor Margarida Salomão, marking a significant step in the city's long-term recovery efforts.
The February storms were catastrophic, leaving a tragic toll of 66 people dead and nearly ten thousand residents either homeless or displaced from their dwellings. The 'Compra Assistida' program is a key component of the municipal government's strategy to address the housing crisis by facilitating the acquisition of new properties for eligible affected families.
According to the mayor's office, families who have been registered for the program are now able to check their eligibility status and benefit details through the official GovBR online platform. This digital portal serves as the primary point of contact for beneficiaries to track their application progress.
For those families who are selected in this first batch, the next step involves mandatory participation in an orientation meeting. This session, organized jointly by the Juiz de Fora city administration and the Caixa Econômica Federal (a major Brazilian federal bank), is scheduled for the coming week. The meeting will provide crucial guidance on the subsequent procedures and requirements for completing the housing acquisition process.
To further support the families navigating this complex process, the Municipal Administration has also announced it will launch a dedicated service system. Starting next week, families can schedule appointments for personalized assistance. This service will be available to answer questions, resolve any pending documentation issues, and provide direct support throughout the entire program journey.
Concurrently, the Federal Government has updated its records for the 'Auxílio Reconstrução' (Reconstruction Aid), a separate financial benefit offering R$ 7,300 to eligible families in Juiz de Fora and the neighboring city of Ubá. As of the latest update, 1,669 affected families have already received this one-time payment.
The Reconstruction Aid is specifically designated for households residing in areas directly impacted by the disaster, which includes those who suffered material damage or loss of property due to the floods and landslides. Eligibility for this aid is contingent upon verification of information provided by the municipal government regarding qualifying victims, combined with a self-declaration from the head of the household.
The launch of the 'Compra Assistida' program's first lot represents a tangible commitment to rebuilding lives and communities in the wake of one of the region's most severe natural disasters. Based on reporting from g1.