In urban areas housing is a key livelihoods asset. Government action can destroy people’s homes and consequently those livelihoods which are dependent on home-based informal enterprises or on homes being close to sources of work. In some countries federations of urban savings and self-help groups have formed to defend and promote their members’ rights to shelter and claim citizens’ entitlements (Satterthwaite, 2008). Donor support for networks such as Shack Dwellers International and the Asian Coalition for Housing Rights has proven to be effective (Good Practice Note 3. Empowerment through local citizenship). It can also allow families to save and accumulate reserves which increase their resilience and allow them to better manage sudden needs, household crises and external shocks.