Abstract This article analyzes the National Policy on Social Interest Housing (PNHIS) based on the policy cycle theory, from the empirical contributions of 59 municipal housing managers in Minas Gerais. It was sought to understand the cycle of such a Policy and to check its positive aspects and its failures. Thus, a questionnaire was prepared with topics related to the country's housing situation, the characteristics of the programs that make up the PNHIS, the implementation process, and the monitoring and evaluation of this policy. Managers realized that social housing is one of the government's priorities, but existing programs do not meet local specificities and the demands of the families. Regarding implementation, the main failures are the excess of bureaucracy to access resources and the low quality and quantity of training offered. Regarding the evaluation and monitoring, it is noticeable the requirement of reports for accountability and the participation of the councils during the execution of the projects. However, their effectiveness is questioned. The study contributed with reflections on the modalities of the housing programs, so the local specificities are incorporated, to increase the number of rooms produced, and to institute the Information System, Monitoring and Evaluation of Housing.