Habitat for Humanity supports the United Nations’ discussion of sustainable cities

ATLANTA (Jan. 7, 2014) – Habitat for Humanity International applauds discussion of sustainable cities and human settlements during the seventh session of the United Nations’ Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals. “Habitat for Humanity supports the efforts of the Open Working Group and its focus on sustainable cities and human settlements,” said Elizabeth Blake, general counsel and senior vice president of advocacy and government affairs of Habitat for Humanity International. “However, Habitat shares the concern of others in the development community that the new goals may not sufficiently address the issue of adequate housing during an era of rapid growth of slums. While we agree that a diverse set of targets is needed to define a sustainable city, the final goals must ensure access to adequate and affordable housing to prevent the proliferation of unsafe and unsanitary living conditions, especially impacting vulnerable populations. With decent living conditions a central component of any sustainable city, it is critical that adequate housing be included in any post-2015 development framework.”

For more information about the Millennium Development Goals and post-2015 agenda, visit: http://www.habitat.org/gov/take_action/MDG.aspx

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 4 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and supports a variety of funding models that enable families with limited resources to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To learn more, donate or volunteer visit habitat.org.