Habitat for Humanity and Grundfos Forge Global Partnership to Address Housing and Water Challenges in Brazil
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.
Supporting Communities in Brazil
This new partnership, starting in August 2024, will make a significant impact on 52 families across two critical regions of Brazil over the next six months.
In the semi-arid state of Pernambuco, where rainfall is sparse and irregular, 45 water cisterns will be constructed. This initiative addresses a pressing issue in a region where water scarcity is a daily challenge. Many families in Pernambuco face extreme difficulties accessing clean water, often resorting to walking long distances to collect it. By installing these cisterns, we will provide a reliable source of water for drinking, sanitation, and daily needs, which is crucial for improving health, hygiene, and overall quality of life in an area suffering from severe water shortages.
Meanwhile, in the state of São Paulo, 35 Grundfos employees will dedicate their time and skills to repairing and enhancing the living conditions of seven homes. This area, while more developed than Pernambuco, still has many families living in substandard housing conditions. Many homes in São Paulo require significant repairs to address issues such as inadequate sanitation, poor ventilation, and deteriorating structural elements.
The involvement of Grundfos volunteers will enhance these homes and provide crucial support to local families facing housing inadequacies. This dual-focused approach addresses urgent needs in both regions while fostering a broader commitment to improving living conditions and advancing sustainable development across Brazil.
A Shared Commitment to Sustainability
Allysson André Maranho, Country Director Grundfos Brazil, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the partnership, stating,
“Partnering with Habitat for Humanity extends our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility into the communities in Brazil where it’s needed most. This project reflects our core mission of providing safe and sustainable water solutions and is an excellent opportunity for our employees to be engaged through corporate volunteering as well. We are proud to support these efforts to improve lives through better access to water and healthier living conditions.”— Allysson André Maranho, Country Director Grundfos Brazil
This collaboration highlights the shared commitment of both organizations to foster sustainable development, enhance quality of life, and support communities in need. Rick Hathaway, Habitat for Humanity’s vice president for Europe and the Middle East, noted,
“This partnership with Grundfos represents a powerful alignment of our shared values. Together, we are not just building homes and water systems; we are building resilience and hope for families facing extreme challenges. It is inspiring to see how we can make a difference when we come together with a common purpose.”— Rick Hathaway, Habitat for Humanity’s vice president for Europe and the Middle East
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 Grundfos
Grundfos is a leading global manufacturer of pumps and water solutions, headquartered in Denmark. The company is renowned for its innovative, energy-efficient solutions that serve homes, buildings, industries, utilities, and agriculture
At the heart of Grundfos is a commitment to sustainability and addressing global water and climate challenges. The company focuses on reducing energy consumption, improving water access, and promoting the efficient use of resources. Grundfos’ mission is to respect, protect, and advance the flow of water, ensuring it remains accessible and reliable for all.
Grundfos is owned by the Poul Due Jensen Foundation that has funded this project.