World Habitat Day: Shine Light on the Importance of Adequate Housing

By Anne Myers, Senior Director, Advocacy Campaigns, Habitat for Humanity International

Did you know that more than 1.1 billion people around the world live in slums and other informal settlements? That number is unacceptable. It means far too many people – including children, mothers, and grandparents – are living in insecure and unstable housing. These communities have very limited access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity. People living in informal settlements lack land and property rights, often fearing eviction. They face worsening threats from climate change, including droughts and floods. And the number will continue to rise if action is not taken.

But together, we can do something about it. Habitat for Humanity launched the Home Equals campaign in May of this year to influence policies that provide equitable access to housing so that people living in informal settlements can live in safe, secure housing.

We know that there are economic and human development gains when governments prioritize improving housing at a massive scale in informal settlements. A first-of-its-kind report from Habitat for Humanity and its research partner, the International Institute for Environment and Development, modeled the benefits that would be realized — in terms of economic production, income, health, and education — from those housing improvements.

The report found:

GDP and income per capita would increase by as much as 10.5% in some countries
730,000 lives would be saved each year globally — that’s more than the number of deaths that would be prevented annually by eradicating malaria!
As many as 41.6 million additional children could be enrolled in school

Because we know that home equals health. Home equals safety and security. And home equals opportunities for a better future.

Take a moment and reflect on your own relationship with housing. What are the challenges you have experienced and what were the impacts they had on your life? Or, if you have been fortunate to have stable and secure housing, what opportunities has it provided for you?

This October, we recognize the foundational role housing can play in our lives. Share your own stories in the Comments section down below and your photos on social media using the #HomeEquals hashtag to join this global campaign. Together, we can make a difference!

Rotary International’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity International helps clubs and districts empower local communities through access to safe and affordable housing, water and sanitation facilities, and hygienic practices and skills training to improve employment opportunities. Contact your local Habitat to jointly design and implement local service projects, or learn more about the partnership.

World Leaders Need to Prioritize the More Than 1 Billion People Living in Informal Settlements

Other Habitat for Humanity stories published on Rotary Service in Action blog

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