Photo: Mother and daughter reading a book together, Uganda

Stories

Habitat for Humanity Europe, Middle East and Africa

The latest housing updates

from Habitat for Humanity

INDI-24-SL-339-00158

Transforming Lives with Cool Roofs. Real Stories from India

In this article, we dive into the real-world impact of Excel CoolCoat. From Sakuntala’s family to others across India, see how this cooling solution has transformed homes, providing comfort and peace during sweltering heat. Learn how partnerships and innovative marketing are making these life-changing solutions more accessible to low-income families.

Read more
INDI-24-SL-339-00140.JPG

Excel CoolCoat: A Game-Changer for Heat-Stricken Families

Excel CoolCoat continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of families like Arulselvi’s. With heat relief and reduced energy costs, this affordable solution is helping families live more comfortably. As Excel Coatings expands its reach, the company is committed to ensuring that every home can experience the cooling benefits of this innovative product.

Read more
INDI-22-SL-271-02943

How Excel CoolCoat is Making Life Cooler in India

Excel Coatings is leading the charge in transforming homes across India with its affordable, sustainable cooling solution, Excel CoolCoat. This innovative product is helping families combat extreme summer heat, offering relief without the high cost of air conditioning. Discover how this simple, eco-friendly solution is reshaping the way millions live through the hottest months.

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

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Habitat for Humanity and Umdasch Group Extend Partnership to Build More Homes and Empower Communities

September 10, 2024

Bratislava (September 15, 2024) — Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce the continuation and expansion of its partnership with Umdasch Group, an Austrian-based global leader in construction and retail solutions. After a successful collaboration last year, Umdasch Group has decided to extend the partnership until the end of 2024, incorporating new subsidiaries and scaling up its volunteering efforts.

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Bombed building

Habitat for Humanity strengthens its operations in Ukraine with new branch to support reconstruction and housing needs

September 09, 2024

Kyiv, Ukraine (September 9, 2024) – Habitat for Humanity, a global leader in affordable housing and community development, is proud to announce the official opening of its new branch in Ukraine. This expansion comes at a crucial time as the nation faces an unprecedented need for housing reconstruction and development following the ongoing war and displacement. The new branch will focus on providing safe, affordable housing, rebuilding damaged homes, and enhancing community resilience through local partnerships and advocacy for effective housing policies. It will prioritize the most vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and low-income families, and will work closely with local NGOs, private sector, and local authorities to ensure that reconstruction efforts align with sustainable development goals.

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Habitat for Humanity and Grundfos Forge Global Partnership to Address Housing and Water Challenges in Brazil

August 18, 2024

BRATISLAVA (August 19, 2024) – Habitat for Humanity and Grundfos, a global leader in advanced pump solutions and water technologies, are excited to announce a new global partnership aimed at improving housing conditions and water access for vulnerable communities in Brazil. This partnership will focus on empowering local communities through innovative solutions that address both social and environmental challenges.

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Habitat Manifesto.png

Strategies for Affordable Housing and Thriving Communities

August 15, 2024

The housing crisis in the European Union has grown into a challenge that no one can afford to ignore. What was once a struggle for the most vulnerable is now an everyday concern for middle-income families. Over the past decade, house prices have surged by 47%, and rents have climbed by 18%, leaving millions in precarious living situations. These rising costs are just the tip of the iceberg. Behind the statistics are real people—families, seniors, and young adults—struggling to find secure, affordable, and decent homes. 

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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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INDI-24-SL-339-00158

Transforming Lives with Cool Roofs. Real Stories from India

In this article, we dive into the real-world impact of Excel CoolCoat. From Sakuntala’s family to others across India, see how this cooling solution has transformed homes, providing comfort and peace during sweltering heat. Learn how partnerships and innovative marketing are making these life-changing solutions more accessible to low-income families.

Read more
INDI-24-SL-339-00140.JPG

Excel CoolCoat: A Game-Changer for Heat-Stricken Families

Excel CoolCoat continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of families like Arulselvi’s. With heat relief and reduced energy costs, this affordable solution is helping families live more comfortably. As Excel Coatings expands its reach, the company is committed to ensuring that every home can experience the cooling benefits of this innovative product.

Read more
INDI-22-SL-271-02943

How Excel CoolCoat is Making Life Cooler in India

Excel Coatings is leading the charge in transforming homes across India with its affordable, sustainable cooling solution, Excel CoolCoat. This innovative product is helping families combat extreme summer heat, offering relief without the high cost of air conditioning. Discover how this simple, eco-friendly solution is reshaping the way millions live through the hottest months.

Read more