Manzanas del Cuidado (Blocks of Care)

Active Period

The program was started in January 2022, and currently has 20 care blocks across Bogota.

Description

Special “care blocks” offering free services to women caregivers are located throughout the city of Bogota in areas with concentrations of vulnerable residents.  Here, women have access to a variety of services and activities, including opportunities for physical exercise, educational programs, and work-related skill-building programs, while special staff look after their children, disabled family members, and/or senior citizens.  "Sometimes I think I'm just continually giving care, but who takes care of me? But when I  get to the care block, it's great because there are movies, arts, dance, exercise, bicycles,  lots of activities," said Bogota resident Jenny Portilla, age 56. 

To respond to this challenge, the City of Bogota implemented an “ease-of-access” model to enable caregivers to readily access needed support services. A special analysis was conducted to identify the best locations for care blocks, to locate them within a 15- to 20-minute walk from the majority of potential users. The results have been included in the 2035 Bogota Master Urban Plan. In addition, a special CARE bus service has been established to connect caregivers living in more distant locations to these service hubs. This program was a key initiative of former Mayor Claudia Lopez Hernandez to turn  Bogota into a “caring city.”

Outstanding Features

9 out of 10 women living in Bogota provide unpaid domestic work and caregiving. 30% of them do so full-time. This program enables them to continue their education and build their work skills and employability to help close the wealth gap. This program takes the approach that all people need care, even the caregivers. As of September 2023, the City was operating 20 Care Blocks facilities that have served more than 400,000 women and families.