Photo: Mother and daughter reading a book together, Uganda

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Habitat for Humanity Europe, Middle East and Africa

The latest housing updates

from Habitat for Humanity

picture of a mud home with netting on windows and doors

World Malaria Day 2026 | Rethinking homes to stop malaria

In many parts of the world, the word home evokes safety. But for millions of families living in substandard housing, home is where some of the greatest health risks begin. From respiratory diseases to heat-related illnesses and vector‑borne illnesses like malaria, unsafe housing conditions expose low‑income families to dangers that no one should have to endure.This World Malaria Day, Habitat for Humanity recognizes the life‑saving power of healthy housing, because preventing malaria requires a holistic approach, where mainstream tools like nets and medicine work hand in hand with strong walls, secure roofs, good ventilation and the dignity of a home that protects the people who live in it.

Read more
A woman and three children sit outside their home smiling

Recovery after Cyclone Freddy: Opening the door to resilience in Malawi

When Cyclone Freddy swept through southern Malawi in March 2023, entire communities were left without homes and livelihoods, and many lives were lost. The torrential rains triggered devastating floods and landslides, destroying homes and displacing thousands of families overnight. Their story is a reminder that recovery after disaster often begins with a home – opening the door to resilience for families and communities alike.

Read more
A lady standing in front of a house under construction

International Women’s Day 2026: When women have a safe place to call home, communities thrive

Each year on International Women’s Day, the world celebrates the achievements, resilience and leadership of women everywhere. It is also a moment to reflect on the barriers that still limit opportunities for many women and girls.This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the stories of women whose lives have been transformed through perseverance, partnership and the power of a safe place to call home.

Read more
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Stories from Europe, the Middle East and Africa

Photo: a women and two children from Zambia sitting on stairs in front of their house

Africa

In Africa we empower low-income people to build a better life for themselves and their children.

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Inside a flat in Lebanon - two girls and their mother reading a book together

The Middle East

Our mission in the Middle East is to build a safe and stable environment where families and communities can thrive. 

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mother and daughter from Ukraine

Europe

More and more people in Europe face problems to find a decent place to live. We help to make homes affordable.

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Press releases

Group photo of the partners at the launch event

Tanzania Mortgage Refinance Company and Habitat for Humanity launch housing microfinance solutions to expand affordable housing access in Tanzania

March 04, 2026

DAR ES SALAAM, March 4, 2026 – The Tanzania Mortgage Refinance Company (TMRC), in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International, today announced the official launch of new Retail and Wholesale Housing Microfinance products designed to enable more low-income households – especially those working in the informal sector, to build, improve or expand their homes affordably.

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Reconstruction in Kalush

Habitat announces new project for displaced families in Ukraine, with the support of Saint-Gobain Foundation

February 11, 2026

Bratislava, Slovakia — [January, 2026] — Habitat for Humanity International is pleased to announce Saint-Gobain Foundation’s support to a vital housing project for families displaced by the war in Ukraine. Habitat for Humanity, together with its Ukrainian partner METALAB and the Municipality of Kalush, is reconstructing an abandoned kindergarten building into 47 apartments of various typology, providing dignified housing for approximately 150 people. The apartments will offer safety, privacy and stability for families who have spent years displaced by war, enabling them to rebuild their lives in a supportive environment.

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A photo of an apartment building in Ukraine

Ukraine adopts new housing law to replace Soviet-era system and make housing affordable

February 03, 2026

In January 2026 a new housing law was adopted in the second reading in Ukraine’s parliament. This marks the beginning of a major housing reform, something that has not happened for over 30 years in the country.New Bill No. 12377, “On the Basic Principles of Housing Policy,” replaces the 1983 Soviet-era Housing Code, includes the establishment of social housing, new financial mechanisms to support the construction and purchase of housing, digitalization of processes, as well as putting vulnerable people and their specific needs as a priority. It is now awaiting Presidential approval and signature to come into effect.

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All stories

family sitting in lobby

From Gaza to Romania: A story of strength and hope

“We were waiting for death,” says Asma, a 23-year-old nursing school graduate and the daughter of Khaled and Daniela. Reflecting on the past month in Gaza, she recounts the experiences of her family. Her father, a 60-year-old mechanical engineer, and her mother, a 54-year-old born and raised in Brașov, Romania, were part of the first group of evacuees from the Gaza Strip to arrive in Romania on November 8. Their large, close-knit family of 13 includes their 6-month-old granddaughter Hanan, whose name means compassion and affection.

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light bulb

What is energy poverty?

Energy powers communities. Healthcare workers and teachers depend on energy to heal and educate their communities. Energy keeps homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

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Build better lives

Build better lives

On the 29th August 2023, ahead of the second EPBD trilogue under the Spanish Council Presidency, 67 civil society organisations, social, health and environmental NGOs, trade unions and youth movements across Europe have signed onto a joint statement calling on their elected representatives to deliver an ambitious and socially just EU Buildings Directive (EPBD) before the end of the year.

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water-bucket

Water is life

In Zambia, many families are challenged every day to survive. Mathabo Makuta, national director of Habitat for Humanity Zambia, discusses problems with access to clean water and water borne diseases.  

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woman-in-africa

Building Solid Ground

Habitat’s Compendium of Best Practices for Housing in Africa, produced by the EU-funded Build Solid Ground project, documents positive stories of change in the areas of adequate and affordable housing, including basic services, land tenure and slum upgrading.

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building

Does the right to housing exist?

Episode 1 welcomes listeners to the world of housing. Architect Esben Neander Kristensen, Director at Gehl, explains the difference between home and housing, discusses the right to housing, and provides insights into how the COVID-19 pandemic changed our perception of home. This episode opens the first season of Home Sapiens. 

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Habitat CEO Jonathan Reckford

Habitat CEO: Coronavirus pandemic calls for a world where we care for each other

In recent days and weeks, a wave of closures, cancellations and postponements has unfurled as the COVID-19 pandemic has emerged. Those decisions — taken individually, totaled in the aggregate — have been stunning acts of solidarity, expressions of concern and collective responsibility for the health and well-being of our communities and our neighbors.

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WUF 2020 Habitat for Humanity International

Sharing our expertise at the UN’s 10th World Urban Forum

With countries around the world continuing to face rapid and large-scale urbanization, Habitat for Humanity is honoured to once again share its insights with global leaders on how to ensure cities and human settlements grow in ways that are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

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Global Education Toolkit

Global Education Toolkit

Our Global Education Toolkit is an online educational resource that shares knowledge and practical educational tools on housing, land rights and sustainable urban development. Find out more.

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picture of a mud home with netting on windows and doors

World Malaria Day 2026 | Rethinking homes to stop malaria

In many parts of the world, the word home evokes safety. But for millions of families living in substandard housing, home is where some of the greatest health risks begin. From respiratory diseases to heat-related illnesses and vector‑borne illnesses like malaria, unsafe housing conditions expose low‑income families to dangers that no one should have to endure.This World Malaria Day, Habitat for Humanity recognizes the life‑saving power of healthy housing, because preventing malaria requires a holistic approach, where mainstream tools like nets and medicine work hand in hand with strong walls, secure roofs, good ventilation and the dignity of a home that protects the people who live in it.

Read more
A woman and three children sit outside their home smiling

Recovery after Cyclone Freddy: Opening the door to resilience in Malawi

When Cyclone Freddy swept through southern Malawi in March 2023, entire communities were left without homes and livelihoods, and many lives were lost. The torrential rains triggered devastating floods and landslides, destroying homes and displacing thousands of families overnight. Their story is a reminder that recovery after disaster often begins with a home – opening the door to resilience for families and communities alike.

Read more
A lady standing in front of a house under construction

International Women’s Day 2026: When women have a safe place to call home, communities thrive

Each year on International Women’s Day, the world celebrates the achievements, resilience and leadership of women everywhere. It is also a moment to reflect on the barriers that still limit opportunities for many women and girls.This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the stories of women whose lives have been transformed through perseverance, partnership and the power of a safe place to call home.

Read more