A home is the foundation on which we build our lives. It supports better health, education, and well-being, drives economic growth, and helps reduce poverty. Yet every day, 1 in 3 people around the world wake up without the security of a safe, affordable home. In Asia-Pacific alone, over 1.6 billion people live in inadequate housing; while more than 600 million live in slums or informal settlements.
To raise awareness of the global housing crisis and mobilize action, Habitat for Humanity has launched Let’s Open the Door, a global campaign highlighting the urgent need for decent housing and its role in building stronger communities.
This year, Habitat for Humanity marks 50 years of bringing people together to build prosperous and healthy communities.
“Housing has been the core of Habitat’s work for 50 years. As a leader in global housing, Habitat understands the keys that will unlock our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live,” said Jonathan Reckford, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity International.
The need is especially urgent in Asia-Pacific, where access to adequate housing provides safety, stability, basic services and a stronger ability to recover from shocks—all of which are essential to resilience. Seven of the world’s 20 nations most vulnerable to extreme weather impacts are in the region.
“When people lack a safe, adequate home, the effects are felt everywhere: in health, education, livelihoods, protection, gender equality and in how communities withstand shocks. Housing must be recognized as a strategic investment and foundation for resilience and opportunity,” said Elizabeth Satow, area vice president for Asia-Pacific, Habitat for Humanity International.
Across Asia-Pacific, the campaign will spotlight stories of homeowners, volunteers, youth leaders, and partners working to drive change in their communities and expand access to decent housing.
Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has supported more than 65 million people around the world build, improve or finance places to call home. In Asia-Pacific, Habitat has worked since 1983 alongside people of all walks of life to build, repair and finance homes, develop new ways to improve housing access, and advocate for policies that make adequate housing easier to build and access.
To learn more about the Let’s Open the Door campaign and how to get involved, visit www.habitat.org/ap/open-door.
Contact:
Rona Azucena
razucena@habitat.org