By Milliam Murigi
Habitat for Humanity has launched a new global campaign aimed at raising awareness of the growing housing crisis and mobilizing action across more than 60 countries.
One in three people around the world wake up without the security of a safe, decent home every day according to available reports.
The crisis is particularly acute in Africa, where an estimated 62 per cent of urban dwellings are informal, putting millions of families at heightened risk from climate and economic shocks.
The campaign, Let’s Open the Door, unveiled across Africa and globally, brings together Habitat organizations and partners in a coordinated push to highlight the urgent need for safe, decent and affordable housing.
Through a mix of on-the-ground activations, digital storytelling and community engagement, the initiative seeks to spark a worldwide movement around housing as a driver of health, equity and economic resilience.
“With the support of our partners, the campaign will create awareness of the need to increase better access to affordable and sustainable housing, and everyone can play a part. Whether by lending your voice, your time or your talents, you can help advance housing access, affordability and sustainable solutions, and help open the doors to homeownership for more families around the world,” said Jonathan Reckford, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity International.
“Housing has been the core of Habitat’s work for 50 years. As a leader in global housing, the organization understands the keys that will unlock our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”
In Africa, the housing gap is widening as cities add millions of new residents every year, while formal supply, infrastructure and finance fail to keep pace.
Mortgage access remains extremely limited in many countries, and regulatory bottlenecks slow delivery challenges that compound the everyday reality for families priced out of safe and decent homes.
“We are inviting the world to be part of something bigger,” said Mathabo Makuta, Africa Senior Director for Programs at Habitat for Humanity.
“Now is the time to get involved. We need policy, finance and community action moving together in countries across Africa. Give. Speak up. Volunteer. Together let’s open the door to brighter futures and help close the housing gap, starting in our own neighbourhoods.”
Eileen Mokaya, National Director for Habitat for Humanity Kenya office says: “As Habitat marks 50 years globally and more than four decades in Kenya, we know that the next 50 years must be defined by bold action. Kenya’s housing deficit remains one of the deepest in Africa, but we also have some of the most innovative and community-driven solutions. Let’s Open the Door is our commitment to scaling those solutions together.”
As part of the campaign, Habitat for Humanity will activate a continent-wide series of in person and digital engagements designed to spotlight how a decent home opens doors to health, education, safety, climate resilience and generational wealth.
