14.1. The Cuban social housing policies pursued between 1960 and 1990 appear to have succeeded in providing basic, adequate housing for the majority of the population. While the overall housing deficit is acknowledged, homelessness is not considered to be a significant problem. Due to the success of the Cuban state's innovative policies, regulatory laws and projects, the country managed to avoid the extremes of destitution known in many of the world's developing countries. The centralisation of state resources allowed Cuba to succeed notwithstanding the serious challenges brought about by the US blockade.