mother and daughter feeling safe in Poland

Stories from Europe

Decent housing is a foundation for anyone to have a prosperous life. Land and property values, and rents have been going up recently. As a result, more and more people in Europe face problems finding a decent place to live.

To lower housing costs, we help make homes more energy efficient. It helps reduce energy poverty and minimizes climate change. We also advocate for accessible and affordable housing on local, national and international levels.

Learn more about our work in Europe.

International Day of Volunteers 2025: Every contribution matters towards better housing outcomes for all

CEO of Habitat for Humanity Romania sitting next to Mihaela, signing her house form

Our family’s story – Mihaela Albisteanu

This year, Mihaela moved into her new house, a home that she helped build alongside volunteers during Habitat for Humanity Romania’s Hope Build, a unique volunteer house-building event. In just five days in June 2024, volunteers from companies and the community came together for a so-called Hope Build. This project changed the lives of two households forever. One of these families is the Albisteanu family, led by a mother whose strength and resilience have carried her family through years of hardship, Mihaela Albisteanu. “I can’t believe it! The children will have their own space, just for them.”Mihaela’s excitement rings out as she shares her feelings in a video from the build.

Women holding a photo frame in front of a build site

How Volunteerism is transforming housing and communities in Africa

On 12 August, volunteer sector experts from across Africa gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to mark International Youth Day by celebrating the transformative power of volunteering. For the first time, the African Union recognized the contributions of volunteers across the continent by launching the State of Volunteerism in Africa Report.The report positions volunteerism as a vital driver of Africa’s development aspirations, particularly in advancing Agenda 2063. It highlights that Africa contributes an estimated 5.9 million hours of voluntary service every month—valued at over USD 353.5 million annually.