Leading by Example: CEOs Unite to Build Homes and Hope in Romania
Berceni, Prahova County, Romania, May 17th, 2024 – In an inspiring demonstration of leadership and community spirit, 48 business and civil society leaders gathered to participate in Habitat for Humanity Romania’s CEO Build event. This initiative brought together influential figures to build four homes with vulnerable families and advocate for better housing policies across the country.
Building More Than Just Homes
Under the motto “Leadership in Action,” the participants worked tirelessly over two days on the construction of four new homes in Berceni, Prahova County. Their efforts are expected to benefit not just these four families but also support another 100 families in Romania in accessing better housing by offering support for home building and renovations.
Adequate and affordable housing leads to better economic, health, and education outcomes; the process of housing improvement is often a ladder out of poverty for families. These changes benefit in turn the larger community, by reducing inequality and building resilience against economic and natural disasters. Build events like the CEO Build are designed to complement Habitat’s broader advocacy and strategy work for affordable housing at the national, regional, and global levels.
Roberto Pătrașcoiu, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Romania, highlighted the impact of this initiative: “The participation of business leaders and civil society in the CEO Build event demonstrates the power of solidarity and social responsibility. The construction of these houses is not just about the walls and the roofs, but about offering a real chance at a better future for vulnerable families.”
Leadership in Action: A Model for Community Engagement
The event was attended by Habitat’s partners, including Ioana Totoian, Business Development Manager at Wienerberger, and Monica Csaszar, Industrial Director of Glass at Saint-Gobain Romania, showcasing a collaborative effort across various sectors.
Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, underscored the global significance of such local initiatives. He remarked, “The event was a remarkable success, and we are grateful for the support and participation of everyone. When you get involved as a volunteer, you become part of the community and do something truly transformative that creates intergenerational change for the families benefiting from these homes.”
A Vision for the Future
This CEO Build event is part of a larger project managed by Habitat for Humanity Romania, aiming to provide homes for 12 families comprising 45 members. These families were identified in collaboration with local authorities, ensuring that the new homes will significantly improve their quality of life.
In fact, one out of ten Romanians faces housing problems, living in homes where rainwater leaks through the roof and walls, creating a damp environment. Additionally, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, 21% of Romanians live in households without indoor sanitary facilities.
By leading through action, these CEOs have set a powerful example for others in the business and civil sectors to engage in their communities and make a tangible difference. Their hands-on participation not only built homes but also hope and dignity for those in need of decent housing, paving the way for a brighter future for many Romanian families.
