This Working Paper describes activities that promote the sustainable development of Windhoek, Namibia, through processes that are consistent with the principles of Local Agenda 21, but that are based on the initiatives of civil society groups rather than local authorities. Since independence, and the demise of separatist apartheid policies, informal settlements in Windhoek have expanded dramatically. Several community-based housing organisations have been established, focusing primarily on savings schemes, but also extending to local environmental improvement (e.g. securing better sanitary conditions). This Working Paper looks at some of the problems and successes encountered by these organisations. Lessons learnt include the value of learning by doing, dialogue with other homeless organisations, and ensuring that processes are locally driven. This paper also discusses the potential that a partnership with the progressive city authority has regarding improving living conditions for the urban poor in the future.