Note: Currently we do not have any volunteer opportunities in France, neither local nor international. Once these open up, all relevant details and schedules will be posted.

Although it is one of the world’s leading economies, France, like every other country, has a segment of its population that isn’t as secure financially as its neighbors. And where there are low-income households, there is typically a need for better shelter for healthier, safer living conditions.

Conversely, because of their economic affluence and concern for the welfare of those living outside its borders, the French also actively help fight poverty housing around the world.

For both of those reasons, Habitat for Humanity International in 2008 added France to the list of nearly 90 countries in which the nonprofit organization works.

In fact, Habitat for Humanity has informally worked in France for years, both assisting low-income families inside the country and working with French volunteers to help families in need of simple, decent shelter in other parts of the world.

For the past seven years, schools, churches and corporations in Paris and Lille have sent teams of volunteers to help build homes with low-income families everywhere under Habitat’s Global Village program. Also, several French corporations and worldwide business units operating in the country have partnered with Habitat for Humanity to support efforts to exponentially increase the number of families it serves globally.

In December 2006, Habitat for Humanity partnered with the French organization Habitat et Humanisme, which has helped 9,000 families in 47 communities throughout France with housing and other basic needs. The two Habitats assist in upgrading, repairing and improving the energy efficiency of properties Habitat et Humanisme manages for families in need.

Along with help from the EDF Group, a France-based generator and provider of electricity and energy resources throughout Europe, Habitat for Humanity and Habitat et Humanisme are giving energy-efficiency tips to low-income families living in 120 apartments, helping the families live more comfortably and save money at the same time.

EDF Group’s efforts to improve the lives of families in poverty extend beyond France’s borders. The corporation’s employees are helping build several decent, new homes with throughout Europe with Habitat for Humanity and low-income families. The energy giant is also creating a microfinance fund to offer low-income homeowners in Central Europe access to affordable loans for energy-efficient home improvements, and it is establishing an “innovation fund” to encourage Habitat for Humanity programs around the world to make use of new energy-efficient and sustainable construction models.

Inside France and outside of it, Habitat for Humanity is working with French partners, volunteers and families to make poverty housing nothing more than a bad memory.