Tonight, a family of five will huddle on tattered blankets, which are the only thing between them and a dirt floor. A mother will say a prayer that no one sneaks into her shack through its open doorway. And a father will lie awake, hoping the roof will hold out one more month and wondering how he will afford all of the other repairs his house so desperately needs.
They are just a handful of the many people around the world living in inadequate housing. Without a safe place to live, they are less likely to be healthy, less likely to be educated, and less likely to be able to take advantage of employment opportunities that could pull them out of poverty.
To help address this need, the United Nations in 1985 declared the first Monday in October as World Habitat Day, which this year falls on Oct. 2.
Habitat for Humanity participates in this international event because we know that adequate shelter is critical to improved opportunities, health and education.
Did you know that:
Habitat for Humanity participates in this international event because we know that adequate shelter is critical to improved opportunities, health and education.
Did you know that:
- About 1 in 4 people live in substandard housing. If action isn’t taken, that number will grow to 2 out of 5 — the equivalent of 3 billion people — by 2030.
- Habitat works in nearly 1,300 communities across the U.S. and in over 70 countries.
- Every day, more than 8,000 people find strength, stability and independence through safe, decent and affordable shelter in partnership with Habitat.
World Habitat Day is a special opportunity for Habitat for Humanity to call on individuals and organizations to help us address inadequate housing. On World Habitat Day, we hope you will join us by taking the following actions:
- Make a donation to Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, MO.
- Visit your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore to shop, donate or volunteer. Your support helps Habitat accomplish its mission in your community.
- Share your commitment on your social media network, and invite your followers and friends to find out more about Habitat and World Habitat Day.
Take time on World Habitat Day to support the housing need in your community. Together, we can make a difference.
