Habitat for Humanity and James Hardie extend their partnership to activities in Europe
BRATISLAVA (June 7, 2024) – James Hardie, a global leader in high-performance building solutions, has announced extending their partnership to activities in Europe. This initiative follows the successful collaboration between James Hardie and Habitat for Humanity in the United States, where the two organizations have worked together to empower homeowners and build resilient homes.
Expanding Support to Europe: A Commitment to a Better Future
The partnership in the U.S., saw James Hardie supporting Habitat for Humanity’s mission, including the impactful “Habitat Strong” program. This program focuses on building affordable, climate-resilient homes that can withstand severe weather conditions and natural disasters.
Christian Claus, President of James Hardie Europe, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for expanding its support to Europe.
“Our commitment to building a better future for all drives us to extend our successful partnership with Habitat for Humanity in Europe by contributing our high-performance building products, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the housing challenges faced by communities across Europe,”— Christian Claus
Empowering Families through Product Donations
The European partnership will involve product donations over the next years, focusing on affordable housing projects. James Hardie will provide its fiber cement and fiber gypsum boards for both internal and external applications. In the first joint project starting this year these products will be utilized in Romania for Hope Build events, where more than 10 duplex houses will be constructed, ensuring durable and resilient housing solutions.
These builds will directly benefit low-income and vulnerable families, providing them with secure and safe homes. One out of ten Romanians faces housing problems, living in homes where rainwater leaks through the roof and walls, creating a damp environment. Furthermore, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, 21% of Romanians live in households without indoor sanitary facilities.
Enthusiasm for Future Impact
Rick Hathaway, Vice President of Habitat for Humanity International for Europe and the Middle East, expressed his excitement about the new partnership.
“James Hardie has been a valued partner of Habitat for Humanity in the U.S., and we are thrilled to extend this collaboration to Europe. Their continued support and innovative building solutions will enable us to reach more families and provide them with safe, affordable housing, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, where a significant portion of the population faces housing challenges. Together, we can transform lives and strengthen communities by ensuring everyone has a decent place to call home,”— Rick Hathaway
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 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 James Hardie
James Hardie is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance fiber cement and fiber gypsum building solutions. Known for its durable and aesthetically versatile products, James Hardie provides siding and accessories with long-lasting beauty and trusted protection. The company operates with an inclusive culture and a commitment to Zero Harm, employing over 5,000 people globally. For more information about James Hardie’s products and initiatives, visit www.jameshardie.eu.