Press release section

Europe, Middle East and Africa

Media information

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

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

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]

Latest press releases

How Hungary’s Empty Spaces Could Become the Future of Affordable Housing

April 08, 2025

Hungary’s housing landscape presents a striking contradiction. Despite a growing number of dwellings—over 4.5 million—more than 570,000 stand vacant, while nearly 3 million people struggle with housing poverty. At the same time, the country’s population continues to shrink, creating a disconnect between where homes exist and where they’re needed most. A new research study from Habitat for Humanity Hungary takes a deep dive into this complex picture, offering an eye-opening look at how a more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable housing future might be built—quite literally—out of empty spaces.

Unlocking the Potential of Empty Spaces in Croatia

April 08, 2025

Croatia is facing a paradox: while housing costs are rising and many young people are locked out of the rental and ownership markets, nearly a third of all homes meant for permanent residence sit empty. This contrast lies at the heart of a new research report on the country’s housing landscape—one that uncovers not just the challenges, but the untapped opportunities for creating more inclusive, sustainable communities.

Ukrainian Financial Housing Company and Habitat for Humanity in Ukraine Join Forces for Sustainable Housing Finance

April 08, 2025

Kyiv, Ukraine (March 27, 2025) – Ukrainian Financial Housing Company and Habitat for Humanity in Ukraine sign Memorandum of Understanding for promoting sustainable housing finance in Ukraine and affordable housing for vulnerable people of Ukraine. The signing took place on 27 March in Kyiv as part of the First Affordable Mortgage Forum organised by the Ukrainian Financial Housing Company (UFHC) with the support of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine.

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Habitat for Humanity calls on global leaders at COP28 to prioritize adequate and affordable housing.

November 30, 2023

Habitat for Humanity International is calling on delegates at the COP28 climate change conference to prioritize the housing needs of vulnerable populations, particularly those who are living in slums and informal settlements, by taking action that will meaningfully address the impact of climate change on safe, decent, and affordable housing.

Software company Graitec and the Apax Philanthropy Foundation launch a three-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity

September 25, 2023

BRATISLAVA (Sept. 26, 2023) — Graitec, a global software company headquartered in France and the Apax Philanthropy Foundation, managed by the private equity firm Seven2, who is also their shareholder, have partnered with Habitat for Humanity to support the renovation and expansion of a social and educational centre in Slovakia over the next three years.

Launch of the SMARTER4EU project

September 21, 2023

Habitat for Humanity jointly with nine other partners have commenced the implementation of the Smarter Finance for EU project (SMARTER4EU). This project is funded by the European Commission under the EU-LIFE funding scheme.

Winners of the MENA Housing Forum Innovation Awards 2022 unveiled!

November 22, 2022

Housing for All Egyptians, by Social Housing and Mortgage Finance Fund from Egypt (Public Policies category), The Housing Monitor by Public Works Studio from Lebanon (Best Practices category) and Recyblock by Zelij Invent from Morocco (ShelterTech category), are the winners of the MENA Housing Forum Innovations Awards 2022.

Inaugural MENA Housing Forum champions inclusive, affordable and sustainable housing

November 21, 2022

The first-ever Middle East and North Africa, or MENA, Housing Forum started today in Cairo, under the patronage of the Egyptian Ministry of Housing. Over the next three days, stakeholders will discuss ongoing housing challenges, including the persistence of informal settlements, the rise in refugee numbers, the increase of vulnerability in the wake of COVID-19, and the region’s role in climate action following the COP27 climate change conference. With 10 in-person and five virtual sessions scheduled, the hybrid forum is expected to attract over 500 participants.

Habitat for Humanity at COP27: Adequate and affordable housing central to achieving mitigation and adaptation goals

November 07, 2022

Habitat for Humanity International is calling on delegates at the COP27 climate change conference to prioritize adequate and affordable housing, particularly for the most vulnerable people, to achieve a net-zero future for carbon emissions and meet the adaptation needs of human settlements.

Europe Housing Forum to focus on the future of affordable and sustainable housing

November 11, 2021

On the heels of the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow and amid worsening economic and health conditions related to a COVID-19 spike in Europe, almost 1000 participants are expected to attend the virtual Europe Housing Forum to discuss how housing intersects with climate change, health and the economy.

Habitat for Humanity advocates for inclusive, resilient housing at COP26 climate change conference

November 02, 2021

Habitat for Humanity International is calling on delegates at the world’s premiere climate change conference to ensure efforts to reduce carbon emissions don’t raise the cost of housing while also helping the most vulnerable families adapt their homes to withstand rising seas, extreme temperatures, and increasingly intense weather events.

Habitat for Humanity report: Construction is vast source of jobs in emerging markets

October 04, 2021

Every $1 million in construction output creates an average of 97 jobs in emerging markets, economists at the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Southern California, and the University of Washington found in the report commissioned by Habitat for Humanity’s Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter.

Habitat for Humanity and Catholic Relief Services to support households affected by Beirut Blast

November 19, 2020

Officials estimate that at least 170,000 people in the Lebanese capital live in homes that need to be repaired or reconstructed. According to damage assessments, some 52,000 apartments bear minor damage, including shattered windows, doors and façades.

Habitat for Humanity and the Hilti Foundation expand partnership

October 29, 2020

The Nepal initiative, which will lead to 10,000 new homes in the Eastern Terai region. The Hilti Foundation and Habitat aim to help millions of people around the world gain access to affordable housing.

Habitat for Humanity partners with International Labour Organization and Britam to develop new property insurance solutions

October 23, 2020

In Kenya and many other countries, entrepreneurs, micro and small enterprises use their homes in business operations, be this in running small businesses from home or using their home for stock storage.

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