World Habitat Day

The United Nations has designated the first Monday in October as annual World Habitat Day.

The purpose
On this day, we reaffirm that adequate shelter is a basic human right and we focus on the conditions of cities and towns around the world. We also use this day to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.

Today’s reality
Urbanization continues at a rapid rate and for the first time in history, over half of humanity lives in cities and towns. One-third of the current urban population- a staggering 1 billion people- live in slums. Without access to adequate shelter, clean water or sanitation, up to 10 million people die each year from preventable diseases. Children suffer at school. Parents cannot make ends meet.

Tomorrow’s outlook
By 2030, estimates are that two-thirds of the world’s population will be urban dwellers. The quest for adequate shelter and basic provisions for all is more urgent than ever.

Change the future
On October 5, 2009, please join us in support of World Habitat Day, as we raise our voices and declare that the lack of decent, affordable housing is unacceptable. Durable, adequate housing can and should be made a priority everywhere- in your community, in your town, in your country, in our world. Gather ideas and get involved in 2009. Review our promotional brochure for World Habitat Day 2009.

Learn more
Review our World Habitat Day Handbook for information on Habitat for Humanity’s 2008 theme, “A Place to Be.” The handbook also provides ideas on how you can participate in World Habitat Day. For more information, e-mail us at worldhabitatday@habitat.org.