Man smiling

Health and safety

Habitat works to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Promoting health and safety are key to achieving these goals.

Housing and health

Worldwide, studies have shown that there is an inextricable connection between decent housing and health. A 2006 report issued by the Planning and Development Collaborative International stated, “Clean, warm housing is an essential input for prevention and care of diseases of poverty like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, diarrhea, and malaria.” Lisa Harker, a British child poverty expert, found that poor housing conditions increase the risk of severe health problems and disability by up to 25 percent during childhood and early adulthood.

Housing and safety

 

Habitat provides solutions that promote health and safetyAn Emory University research study in Malawi found Habitat housing improved the health of young children as much as water and sanitation programs. Children under 5 years old living in Habitat for Humanity homes had 44 percent fewer cases of malaria, respiratory or gastrointestinal diseases compared to children living in traditional houses.

Share this page on your:

More stories

Habitat promotes health and safety in the US and around the world

Shawnee's daughter jumping in her home.

The impact of partnership and advocacy in D.C. 

Shawnee, Tami and Bobby represent three of the 13 families in the Towns at Ivy City development — and 41 in the larger Ivy City neighborhood — that have benefited from an ongoing partnership between D.C.’s Department of Housing and Community Development and Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C.

Read more
Ingrid and her family smiling on their couch.

Safer at home

Habitat homeowner Ingrid’s son struggled daily with asthma in the unhealthy conditions of her family’s rental. They were in the process of searching for a smaller but healthier apartment when Jean and Ingrid received a call from New York’s Habitat for Humanity of Rockland County.

Read more