Shelter stories
Through housing, help families build a better future
We live in a world where 2.8 billion people lack access to a decent, affordable home. In Asia and the Pacific, one in three urban dwellers lives in slums or slum-like conditions. Many of them don’t have clean water, safe sanitation and reliable electricity.
A person living in the Asia-Pacific region is also twice as likely to experience a natural catastrophe, increasing the risk of home loss in a disaster. As the housing crisis worsens, the need for safe, affordable homes is heightened by urbanization, climate change, migration, rising inequality and aging populations.
Since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has been working with families, volunteers, donors and partners in the Asia-Pacific region to build homes, communities and hope. We support young people in leading change and actively advocate at all levels for policies and systems that improve access to affordable housing. We provide vital expertise to market actors who shape housing systems. We build homes and we build solutions — all with your support.
Land tenure champion
It took more than a decade for Sreang and other residents of an informal settlement in Cambodia’s Battambang province to gain access to secure land tenure. Led by Sreang, the residents’ committee advocated with the local government to enable 55 families to build homes and improve jobs and their children’s education.
Role model
Pramila from Nepal is building her self-reliance, one step at a time. She was trained in masonry skills and built her own house with cement bamboo frame technology. She also learned to drive her husband’s auto rickshaw to support her family when he left to work abroad.
Power of youth
The moment of truth arrived for Juntoku Koda during a 2023 build in Cambodia. “I was shocked by the reality that some families cannot live together because they do not have a decent home. At the same time, I realized that even we, as students, could help so that the family could live under one roof.”
Community leader
Living in densely populated Duaripara informal settlement in Bangladesh, Sumi has learned vital skills including how to help women and children to safety when fires break out. Habitat’s global advocacy campaign #HomeEquals supports residents of informal settlements in achieving better outcomes through adequate housing.
Aspiring carpenter
Melenaite wants to be a carpenter, just like her grandmother and her father. Together with other carpentry students, she gained hands-on experience in rebuilding homes with eight disaster-affected families. This was made possible through a partnership between Habitat for Humanity New Zealand and Tonga Institute of Science and Technology.
Key partnership
In South Korea, descendants of independence patriots have improved their homes and lives with the support of Habitat for Humanity. Key supporters include campaign ambassador Sean who helps to raise funds through an annual charity run. After meeting with Sean, Jung-soon said, “I’ll have to live a long time in such a nice house.”
Affordable home
Anita and her husband Harshpal built a secure, spacious home with the support of AVIOM. The housing finance company had received investment from Habitat’s MicroBuild Fund. Anita said, “Owning your own home brings an incredible sense of well-being.” While Harshpal works the night shift as a driver, Anita and her baby daughter Pari can rest safely at home with their extended family.
Foundation for life
Althea was only three years old when her family moved into their own home in Philippines’ Taguig City. Free from the threat of eviction, she felt safe and learned good values in the Pinagsama community. Now 21, she said, “This is our stepping stone toward a bigger dream, a better future. My older brother and I have already planned that we will still live here when we start working. This will always be our family home.”