In Villa Sofia, one of the poorest neighborhoods in Medellin (Colombia) EPM created a place called the EPM Service Center, where the inhabitants could access basic public services and primary appliances, looking for an improvement in their quality of life.In order to spread the news, instead of using the traditional media, they did it with an ordinary but effective object of every-day life: the key that opens the door of that very place. So they made several copies of that key and gave them to the neighbours, so that they could make the place their own second home, That’s the way they could use its services every time they needed.5 weeks later, more than 190 families (760 people) were linked to this project and all of the mass media in town have told every-one about the initiative of EPM. In spite of being placed in one of the most unsafe and dangerous spots of the city, none of its appliances has been broken or stolen.

During 2 months, several visits were made to the zone; its inhabitants were asked about the impact caused by the possibility of having a place like this in the neighborhood; the reaches of traditional mass media were fathomed. In that same way, an investigation was made about the possibility of having a place like the EPM Service Center inside the community, and several meetings with the neighborhood leaders and the neighborhood board were held.After that, the place was supplied with services and appliances. Several alternatives to introduce the place were studied, and finally the key to the door of the service center was given to the neighbourhood leaders. Some days later, the action got such popularity that more keys were given to other neighbours.

In less than 5 weeks, more than 190 families (760 people) were already using the service centre. In spite of being in 1 of the most unsafe and dangerous spots of the city, the EPM Service Center is totally fine, and none of its appliances has been broken or stolen.The acceptance of the campaign has been so good that more studies are being developed in order to open more EPM Service Centers in different poor zones of the city.Many mass media have broadcast and praised the initiative, which has given it not only recognition but also has motivated other people around the city and even around the district to come to this neighborhood to use its services.