Regional priorities
Half of the global population living in poverty resides in Asia and the Pacific. Housing-related issues in the region are severe, and continue to get worse.
Complex and interconnected challenges prevent families from improving their living conditions. Swift action is needed to build not only decent housing but also beyond. We do this by promoting projects and solutions that lift up the community.
Challenges
The fund tackles four main issues across the region.
Lack of decent housing and facilities
Over 500 million people live in slums across Asia-Pacific. A billion live without basic sanitation, and 500 million do not have a clean water supply, so diseases are rife. Also, 160 million have no electricity. Numbers are rising rapidly.
Climate and environment emergencies
Low-income communities often endure harsh living conditions and unhealthy local environments. The escalating impacts of climate change have serious consequences.
Financial and social inequity
Families with informal work and low incomes lack financial security and social equity. Many do not have documented tenure of their homes. They lack basic services. There are few opportunities to work their way out of poverty.
Inadequate housing policies and systems
Proper homes and facilities are unaffordable for many. Yet, government policies and housing systems do not work for the people who need them most.
Four objectives
Build Beyond funds locally led initiatives to transform lives through improved housing conditions. A diverse range of projects deliver real improvements in four interconnected ways.
Long-term impact
The benefits of adequate housing on individual and social well-being are under-appreciated. When strategically placed, even modest investments in housing-related projects can yield significant and enduring impact. Projects supported by the fund contribute to fifteen of the United Nation’s seventeen Sustainable Development Goals.
Learn more about the impact of decent housing [PDF].
Learn more about housing and the SDGs.
How Build Beyond works
Donations from high-net-worth individuals provide seed money for projects.