Habitat for Humanity mourns the loss of Nelson Mandela
ATLANTA (Dec. 10, 2013) – Habitat for Humanity International joins with our colleagues in South Africa and the global community in mourning the loss of the great world leader, Nelson Mandela. His impact on our work at Habitat for Humanity is beyond measure, and his efforts to eradicate poverty housing will have a lasting impact for generations to come.
In 2000, President Mandela and other global leaders ratified the U.N. Millennium Declaration with the goal of eliminating poverty and thus improving lives around the world, including those of more than 100 million people living in slums. Recognizing the challenges such conditions present, President Mandela tirelessly championed the Cities without Slums initiative and challenged governments to create paths for more inclusive, sustainable growth.
We pray that his legacy of peace, integrity and endurance lives on in all of us who work toward a world free of injustice and poverty. We will honor that legacy as we continue to work with colleagues around the world to become the generation that lifts families out of poverty through improved shelter and stable communities.
“Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.
“And overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.”
– Nelson Mandela
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 4 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and supports a variety of funding models that enable families with limited resources to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org.