Country Facts:
- Capital city – Bucharest
- Population – 19 million
- Life expectancy – 74 years
- Unemployment rate – 5.6%
- Below poverty line – 24 %
Find more country facts on: CIA The World Factbook – Romania
Habitat Facts
Habitat started in Romania in 1996.
Individuals served in FY2022 – 5,890
- Through new construction – 50
- Through rehabs – 665
- Through repairs – 20
- Through market development – 5,155
Volunteers hosted in FY2022 – 329
The housing need in Romania
Romania has the highest rate of housing deprivation among all countries in the European Union, according to a statement made on behalf of the Romanian government to the United Nations. Poor and marginalized groups, in both urban and rural areas, face serious challenges in the housing sector, including low quality housing, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of tenure security, particularly in the case of informal settlements. Housing unaffordability is strongly linked to low-income households living in the worst conditions and spending a higher share of their income on housing expenses. Official data showed that 36% of the population is at risk of poverty and social exclusion and three in 10 Romanians are affected by housing issues such as overcrowding or lack of adequate sanitary facilities.
How Habitat addresses the need
Affordable housing
Habitat for Humanity Romania builds and renovates homes in partnership with low-income families throughout the country. This ranges from single house builds to accelerated builds of more houses in just five days. Rehabilitation work is aimed at improving living conditions of families through several types of interventions.
Disaster risk reduction and response
Thousands of families are displaced following disasters such as floods, earthquakes, fires and landslides or conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war. Over the years, Habitat Romania has helped more than 50,000 people through our disaster risk reduction and response programs. Recently, we are supporting people who have fled from Ukraine in accessing safe, secure housing in Romania.
Advocacy and awareness raising
Habitat Romania serves as a voice for people in need of decent homes by working to change laws and shape policies that affect access to housing. Our advocacy approach is based on decades of on-the-ground experience. Advocating for sustainable and inclusive policies and systems that promote access to safe and affordable housing is key to achieving Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Sustainable communities
Habitat Romania builds stronger communities along with volunteers and partners. In partnership with local authorities, companies and other nongovernmental organizations, we build or rehabilitate educational centers, community centers, schools, day-care centers and other facilities.
What you can do
DONATE
Every donation helps a family build a better life through housing. Please contact us to find out how you can contribute to our building projects through donations of cash or building materials. You may also visit habitat.org/donate and select “Designate your donation” to donate to Habitat Romania.
VOLUNTEER
The Global Village program is resuming region by region until a safe and quality experience can be provided at scale worldwide. Please visit habitat.org/gv for more information.
TITHE
Habitat affiliates in the U.S. support the international work through an annual tithe. For additional information, email [email protected] or contact your local Habitat organization.
CONTACT
Alexandra Vasile, Individual Giving Manager, [email protected]
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Visit our website: habitat.ro