World Habitat Day
October 4, 2010

Let's raise our voices and advocate for change to help those around the world who do not have a decent place to live.

In recognition of "World Habitat Day," Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco today announced significant progress in its foreclosure recovery effort -- the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) -- with more than $3 million committed to the program through strong community support and 18 NRP homes completed, under renovation, or planned thus far.

As a United Nations-designated day to raise awareness about the lack of adequate housing in cities around the world, Habitat Greater San Francisco chose today to highlight the continuing foreclosure crisis in Marin, San Francisco and the Peninsula, especially areas such as Novato, East Palo Alto, and the Belle Haven neighborhood of Menlo Park that have been destabilized by the increased default rates in their communities. Read More.

More about World Habitat Day

  • The urban population of developing countries will double from 2 billion to 4 billion in the next 30 years. By the year 2030, an additional 3 billion people, about 40 percent of the world's population, will need access to housing. This translates into a demand for 96,150 new affordable units every day and 4,000 every hour.

  • Habitat for Humanity hopes that by raising awareness and advocating for universal decent housing we can dismantle and alter the systems that allow for poverty housing and make an affordable, decent place to live a reality for all.

What can you do for World Habitat Day?

Ask leaders in Washington: What will you build?

In recognition of World Habitat Day, Habitat for Humanity is collecting photos to display in a Photo Wall. Submit your photo to remind decision makers in Washington, D.C., to make housing a priority.

Getting involved is easy. All supporters need to do is:
1. Write "What will you build?" on a piece of paper.
2. Take a photo holding the message.
3. Upload the picture to Habitat's Photo Wall.
4. Share the photo with friends and family.

To participate or learn more, click here.

The most important thing you can do is take action! Below are three common ways that people take action in their community.

  • Advocate: In addition to building homes in partnership with people in need, Habitat advocates to address the causes of poverty housing. Advocacy activities always include a specific request, such as asking supporters to sign a petition, send a message to an elected official or take part in a rally.

  • Fundraise: World Habitat Day is a great way to raise funds for Habitat in your area. A fundraiser can help educate the public and generate publicity for nonprofit organizations like Habitat for Humanity.

  • Educate: Organize a public awareness event for World Habitat Day 2010 that not only highlights the need for affordable housing in your own community, but also discusses the need for improved shelter for billions of people around the world.

Housing Facts

Housing improves health

  • The number of low-income families who lack safe and affordable housing is related to the number of children who suffer from asthma, viral infections, anemia, stunted growth and other health problems. About 21,000 children have stunted growth attributable to the lack of stable housing; 10,000 children between the ages of 4 and 9 are hospitalized for asthma attacks each year because of cockroach infestation at home; and more than 180 children die each year in house fires attributable to faulty heating and electrical equipment.

  • Children younger than 5 living in Habitat for Humanity houses in Malawi showed a 44 percent reduction in malaria, respiratory or gastrointestinal diseases compared with children living in traditional houses.

  • Children in poor housing have increased risk of viral or bacterial infections and a greater chance of suffering mental health and behavioral problems.

  • Housing deprivation leads to an average of 25 percent greater risk of disability or severe ill health across a person's life span. Those who suffer housing deprivation as children are more likely to suffer ill health in adulthood, even if they live in non-deprived conditions later in life.

Housing has a positive impact on children

  • Children of homeowners are more likely to stay in school (by 7 to 9 percent), and daughters of homeowners are less likely to have children by age 18 (by 2 to 4 percent).

  • Owning a home leads to a higher-quality home environment, improved test scores in children (9 percent in math and 7 percent in reading), and reduced behavioral problems (by 3 percent).

  • Children who live in poor housing have lower educational attainment and a greater likelihood of being impoverished and unemployed as adults.

Housing strengthens communities

  • Homeowners are more likely to know their U.S. representative (by 10 percent) and school board head by name (by 9 percent), and are more likely to vote in local elections (by 15 percent) and work to solve local problems (by 6 percent).

  • Homeowners are more likely to be satisfied with their homes and neighborhoods, and are more likely to volunteer in civic and political activities.

  • Resident ownership is strongly related to better building security and quality, and to lower levels of crime.

 

 


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