Why is Habitat Needed?

Housing must become a priority

• The percentage of people without access to decent, stable housing is rising.

• Increasing the housing supply across the globe is essential.

• Adequate housing is vitally important to the health of the world’s economies, communities and populations.

• If we are to succeed in the fight against poverty, we must support the expansion of housing both as policy and as practice.

 

The world is experiencing a global housing crisis

• Over half of the global population currently resides in urban areas, a rate projected to reach 70 percent by 2050. Approximately 1.1 billion people currently live in slums or slum-like conditions in cities, with 2 billion more expected in the next 30 years.

• Lack of clean water and sanitation claim the lives of more than 1.8 million young children every year.

In the United States, 37.9 million people are living in poverty

• Minimum wage is not keeping up with the rising cost of living and many workers struggle to afford decent housing.

 

Decent, stable housing is more than a roof overhead

• Stability for families and children.

• Sense of dignity and pride.

• Health, physical safety and security.

• Increase of educational and job prospects.​

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To find out more visit the Habitat for Humanity International website.