Photo: a cameraman shooting a narrow street

Newsroom

Europe, Middle East and Africa

News from our region

From Japan and New Zealand to Dobšiná: Nearly 20 volunteers will travel thousands of kilometres to support children in Slovakia

October 05, 2026

DOBŠINÁ/BRATISLAVA – October 2026 – Instead of taking a holiday, they are picking up work gloves, saws and paintbrushes – and dedicating a week to helping others. Nearly 20 volunteers from eight countries will travel to Dobšiná in early October to help renovate the premises of the Domček Parent Centre, which has been supporting children and families at risk of generational poverty for the past 13 years. The volunteers will come from as far away as Japan, New Zealand and Australia, as well as Denmark, Germany, Poland, Ireland and Croatia.

woman and child looking out on the balcony

What do people give up to afford a home?

October 05, 2026

[BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — 5 October 2026] — A new Habitat for Humanity study finds that people around the world are cutting back on food, using savings and changing plans for the future to afford housing.Three in four people surveyed worldwide said they had cut at least one expense to afford housing. One in three spent less on food; nearly a third used savings or emergency funds, and 31% took on extra work. Nearly half, 48%, worry that one unexpected problem could threaten their housing security.

Habitat for Humanity joins Transforming Invisible Buildings project to advance affordable housing through building reuse

September 17, 2026

(BRATISLAVA, Slovakia – 17 September 2026) — Habitat for Humanity is contributing to the Transforming Invisible Buildings project, which has been underway since February 2026 and is helping cities turn vacant and underused buildings into affordable, energy-efficient homes. The partnership builds on Empty Spaces to Homes, our flagship initiative helping European cities put unused buildings to work for people who need a decent place to live.

Media Contacts

Habitat for Humanity has extensive knowledge of the housing and shelter sector throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa.

For comments and interviews on today’s housing news, we can connect you with spokespeople across the region.

Please contact:

Europe and the Middle east
Katarzyna Jasik-Caínzos
Communications Director, Europe and the Middle East
Phone: +32 478 88 79 08
Email: [email protected]
Africa
Caroline Nyamamu
Communications Director, Africa
Phone: +254 759 067 659
Email: [email protected]

Habitat can also offer detailed information, case studies, and housing research as well as hi-resolution photos to cover regional housing issues or specific problems in a country.

Donate

Families who partner with us build their own homes alongside volunteers, pay an affordable mortgage and are grateful for your help.