Empty Spaces News

Welcome to the official news hub for the Empty Spaces project. This page is dedicated to providing comprehensive updates, in-depth articles, and key insights into the project’s progress and achievements.

Here, you will find the latest information not only about the project’s milestones and initiatives but also news from the two countries at the heart of Empty Spaces: Poland and Great Britain. By highlighting developments from both regions, we aim to offer a well-rounded perspective on the project’s impact and scope.

Whether you are a long-standing supporter or a new visitor, this page serves as your trusted resource for staying informed about all aspects of the Empty Spaces journey. We invite you to explore regularly as we continue to share updates and stories that define the evolution of this exciting initiative.

Please contact:

Europe and the Middle east
Katarzyna Jasik-Caínzos
Communications Director, Europe and the Middle East
Phone: +32 478 88 79 08
Email: [email protected]
Poland
Klaudia Król-Jasińska
Communications manager
Phone: xy
Email: [email protected]
Great Britain
Georgina Laing-Sutton
Communications manager
Phone: xy
Email: [email protected]

Empty Spaces News

Addressing Energy Poverty and Housing Shortages in Europe

Europe is facing a dual crisis—an escalating housing shortage and a pressing need to reduce carbon emissions. With over 900,000 people homeless each night and 30 million vacant homes across Europe, the paradox is striking: while many struggle without adequate shelter, millions of properties remain unused. At the same time, residential buildings account for 36% of CO₂ emissions and 40% of energy consumption in the EU.

Turning Empty Spaces into Affordable, Sustainable Homes

January 29, 2025

The housing crisis and environmental sustainability are two of the most pressing challenges of our time. But what if we could address both simultaneously? That’s the bold vision behind Empty Spaces to Homes project, an innovative initiative launched in January 2024. Led by Habitat for Humanity International and funded by the Laudes Foundation, this initiative is transforming vacant and underutilized spaces in Poland, Great Briatin, Hungary, and Croatia into affordable, energy-efficient homes.

Affordable Housing, The Missing Piece in Europe’s Just Transition Puzzle

Can a transition to a greener economy be just if millions of people still lack access to safe, affordable housing? As Europe embarks on its ambitious journey toward a climate-neutral future, it risks overlooking one of the most foundational elements of a truly Just Transition: housing. Far more than just shelter, housing underpins economic stability, social equity, and environmental sustainability.

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.

Habitat for Humanity and Laudes Foundation Join Forces to Tackle Housing and Climate Crises

July 15, 2024

Bratislava (July 15, 2024) - Habitat for Humanity and the leading philanthropic foundation called Laudes Foundation are proud to announce a transformative three-year partnership aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of social housing and climate change through a flagship regional project devoted to renovating and repurposing vacant spaces into homes.

We are helping to transform empty spaces into homes

Have you ever considered the sheer number of unused commercial and business premises scattered about? Just picture this: Rather than constructing new houses and apartment complexes, why not repurpose these vacant spaces into warm and welcoming homes for those struggling to find a decent and secure place to live?

Before and after photos of an underutilized apartment rehabilitated by Habitat Poland.

Converting underutilized spaces into adequate housing

Habitat is transforming underutilized buildings and vacant apartments into adequate housing, demonstrating that upgrading existing buildings can be a viable component to addressing the global housing deficit.

Photo: Michal's studio apartment with a mural of a red ship

Once Unused Attic - Today Seven Studios

Young Poles who have aged out of the foster care find their home in seven newly renovated studios. Michal says he has never felt more grounded and is finishing his studies in history.

Just BE Manifesto - Practical Policies for a Just and Resilient Built Environment

July 15, 2024

What if we could tackle Europe’s housing crisis, create millions of green jobs, and fight climate change—all at the same time? That’s the bold vision behind the Just BE Manifesto, where “Just BE” stands for a Just and Resilient Built Environment. Officially titled Practical Policies for a Just and Resilient Built Environment, this powerful call to action was launched in September 2024. It represents a collaborative effort by a coalition of civil society organizations, NGOs, trade unions, local governments, and business representatives, facilitated by the Laudes Foundation.