Open the door to hope, kindness and empathy
Olivia Wong’s journey with Habitat spans over two decades — from volunteer to donor to board member. Wherever there is an opportunity, be an advocate for the work that Habitat is doing, she says.
Home is the foundation on which we build our lives.
But every day 1 in 3 people around the world wake up without the security of safe affordable housing.
We’re working to change that. We know safe, affordable housing sparks wider change, leading to better health, education and well-being, more economic growth, and less poverty.
Through compelling new research and powerful storytelling, we’re bringing housing to the center stage at a global scale. Explore Let’s Open the Door campaign as we mark 50 years of building homes and communities.
What is the full cost of home?
From financial stress to missed opportunities, housing pressure affects nearly every aspect of life. Explore Home at What Cost?, Habitat’s new global housing report, to uncover the hidden costs of housing shaping people’s well-being, safety and future plans.
50 Voices across Asia-Pacific
A decent home is more than four walls. It’s the foundation for health, opportunity, confidence and hope.
Through stories, conversations and perspectives from across the region, 50 Voices brings together homeowners, volunteers, young leaders, partners, donors and staff to show what housing makes possible.
Watch. Read. Discover the voices behind the change.
Open the Door podcast
Launched on June 30, 2026, each 30 to 45-minute episode focuses on a central theme and shows how safe, adequate housing underpins health, economic opportunity, inclusion, climate resilience, and sustainable urbanization.
Episode 4 now live!
Ep. 3: Housing & Gender
Ep. 2: Policy & Partnership
Ep. 1: Housing & Health
Stories of transformation
Each voice tells a story of change. Discover first-hand how housing has changed lives, empowered communities and inspired action for housing in this region.
“I feel I can better cope with the hardships in life now that we have a secure home,” says Sophal who built alongside international volunteers during the 2018 Legacy Build in Cambodia’s Kandal province.
A home of their own — built during the 2019 Cambodia Big build — marked a milestone for Eat and her family. “It gave us the opportunity to save money and live a dignified life,” she says.
“When I learned about rooftop gardening, my passion came out,” says Muhaeni. Together with his wife Kartina, they were among the first families who opted to partner with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia on an innovative passive cooling design.
“From zero to boss,” says Tasnih whose home entrepreneurship took place as she and her husband Rusdiani opted for reflective roof paint and and a rooftop ventilator to be installed in their home on Batam island, Indonesia.
“I’m surprised that my children could have better education. They make us proud,” says Hendro who, together with his wife Erta, worked hard to ensure their children do well in school.
More stories
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Alvin Liew started as a volunteer more than 20 years ago. Now he serves on the board of Habitat Singapore. Over the years, he is convinced that a home can restore far more than shelter.
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Over the last two decades, Minh Cao Le has moved from build sites in Vietnam to regional leadership roles across Asia-Pacific. “The door to a better future often begins with the door to a safe home,” he says.
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Through the Home Equals campaign, De and many families in Vietnam could build climate-resilient homes that bring stability and peace.
Get involved
Explore more
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Over the past 50 years, we have helped more than 65 million people around the world build, improve or finance places to call home. Now, we’re building on that momentum.
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As conversations on resilient, sustainable cities take center stage, let’s start with a brief quiz to test your knowledge.