Three million people gained access to decent, affordable housing in fiscal year 2016
Since 1976, more than 9.8 million people have partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home
ATLANTA (Nov. 15, 2016) – In fiscal year 2016, Habitat for Humanity improved housing conditions of 3 million people as reported in its new annual report. Partnering with people in local communities around the world since 1976, Habitat has helped more than 9.8 million people obtain a safer place to sleep at night along with the strength, stability and self-reliance to build better lives.
“Many families living in substandard housing dream about one stability in their lives – a decent place they can call home,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. “With the help of our donors, volunteers and advocates, we continue to make a difference by changing lives and transforming communities. Together, our efforts set the foundation for success, including better health, education and employment opportunities. As we celebrate the lives we have touched through adequate housing, we look forward to another year of creating safe and secure places for families to grow, be healthy and thrive.”
The table below provides a snapshot of Habitat’s efforts in fiscal year 2016 across more than 70 countries through direct housing solutions, including new home construction, rehabilitation, incremental improvements, repairs or increased access to improved shelter through partnerships with the private sector.
Fiscal year 2016
Individuals served through improved housing
U.S. and Canada
Latin America and the Caribbean
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Asia and the Pacific
Global total individuals served in fiscal year 2016
29,840
1,424,315
626,150
951,630
3,031,935
Habitat also provided training in construction and financial management as well as advocacy efforts that changed policies and systems to allow more access to shelter solutions. Through these services, an additional 2.1 million individuals now have the potential to improve their housing conditions.
Habitat’s global mission was made possible thanks to its many generous donors and the hands and hearts of more than 1.8 million volunteers who annually give their time and talent. In addition to working on Habitat build sites, volunteers also served as local board members, in Habitat for Humanity ReStores and through affordable housing advocacy efforts.
Since its founding 40 years ago, Habitat has seen the tremendous impact that affordable housing has on helping people create better lives for themselves and their families. The fiscal year 2016 annual report highlights the many ways in which Habitat homeowners have experienced how a decent home with an affordable mortgage or a home improved incrementally over time through small loans can build stronger, more stable families. To learn more, visit: habitat.org/about/annual-reports-990s
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 Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in nearly 1,400 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner 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.