Habitat for Humanity and Employee Foundation of the VKR Group deepen partnership to tackle housing challenges and empower communities
Bratislava (December 3, 2024) – Habitat for Humanity International is thrilled to announce the continuation of its collaboration with the Employee Foundation of the VKR Group, a Danish holding and investment company in the building industry, marking a significant milestone in the mission to create affordable housing solutions. Building on their successful partnership since 2022, this alliance expands its impact to support the transformative “Empty Spaces to Homes” initiative, which repurposes vacant buildings into affordable housing for vulnerable populations across Europe.
Since the beginning of the partnership, VKR Group employees have participated in three accelerated building events in Romania, working hand-in-hand with Habitat’s local teams and families in need of decent housing. In 2024, the collaboration deepened as the Employee Foundation lent its support to Habitat’s ambitious flagship program called Empty Spaces to Homes, addressing the dual challenges of affordable housing shortages and climate change.
This renewed commitment follows the Employee Foundation’s innovative *Donate Your Steps* walking challenge, which engaged 697 VKR Group employees from 32 countries in tracking a collective over 28,7 million steps. Each step was matched by the foundation with grant support for Habitat’s Empty Spaces to Homes program. This unique initiative not only fostered team spirit but also demonstrated how collective small actions can create substantial change.
“This partnership highlights the incredible potential of combining corporate responsibility with community-driven solutions. The Employee Foundation’s unwavering support and the hands-on dedication of VKR Group employees bring us closer to a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Together, we’re not just building homes — we’re building hope and opportunity.”— Rick Hathaway, Habitat for Humanity’s vice president for Europe and the Middle East
The Employee Foundation’s contributions to Habitat’s initiatives align seamlessly with its mission to support VKR Group employees and the communities where they live and work.
“The enthusiasm and commitment shown by VKR Group employees inspire us every step of the way. With Habitat for Humanity, we’re proud to channel our resources and energy into meaningful projects that create lasting change for families in need. The Donate Your Steps walking challenge proved that when we work together, even our smallest steps can build brighter futures.”— Lotte Kragelund, Executive Director of the Employee Foundation
About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand partner up with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.
About Employee Foundation of VKR Group
The Employee Foundation of the VKR Group is dedicated to supporting VKR Group employees and their immediate families through grants and initiatives. Its mission spans several key areas, including crisis assistance, educational support for children, and funding nonprofit projects near VKR Group locations. Since its first partnership with Habitat for Humanity in 2022, the foundation has fostered sustainable community development through volunteer builds and the “Empty Spaces to Homes” initiative, which addresses housing shortages and promotes environmental sustainability across Europe. For more information, visit https://employeefoundation.com/en/