We build strength, stability, and self reliance through shelter.

Find your local Habitat
Find your local Habitat

Donate
Donate

Make a difference.

Recent news

Esther_hungary_banner.png

How Hungary’s Empty Spaces Could Become the Future of Affordable Housing

April 08, 2025

Hungary’s housing landscape presents a striking contradiction. Despite a growing number of dwellings—over 4.5 million—more than 570,000 stand vacant, while nearly 3 million people struggle with housing poverty. At the same time, the country’s population continues to shrink, creating a disconnect between where homes exist and where they’re needed most. A new research study from Habitat for Humanity Hungary takes a deep dive into this complex picture, offering an eye-opening look at how a more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable housing future might be built—quite literally—out of empty spaces.

Read more
Esther_croatia_banner.png

Unlocking the Potential of Empty Spaces in Croatia

April 08, 2025

Croatia is facing a paradox: while housing costs are rising and many young people are locked out of the rental and ownership markets, nearly a third of all homes meant for permanent residence sit empty. This contrast lies at the heart of a new research report on the country’s housing landscape—one that uncovers not just the challenges, but the untapped opportunities for creating more inclusive, sustainable communities.

Read more

Recent stories

Ana Carolina - article.png

Turning empty spaces into homes 

Ana Carolina Gomes, Associate Director for Strategy and Operations at Habitat for Humanity International, is leading efforts to address the gap of over 30 million homes in Europe sitting vacant and 900,000 people being homeless each night. At the World Urban Forum organized by UN-Habitat in November 2024, she outlined Habitat for Humanity’s plan to repurpose vacant buildings—a strategy that combines social impact with environmental responsibility. The goal is to increase affordvble housing while also reducing carbon emissions. 

Read more
Bulgaria_report_JUSTEM.png

Unlocking Lithuania’s Renewable Energy Potential

Lithuania has made significant strides toward achieving a climate-neutral economy by 2050, with renewable energy (RE) at the heart of this transition. However, while the country continues to expand its RE capacity, some key challenges remain—especially for homeowners in multi-family buildings. A recent study highlights how legal, financial, and informational barriers are slowing the adoption of small-scale renewable energy solutions, despite a growing interest in energy efficiency upgrades. The research is part of the SUNRISE project.

Read more
North Macedonia_report_JUSTEM.png

Bridging the Energy Gap

As Bulgaria continues to embrace renewable energy (RE) solutions, the differences in financial readiness, awareness, and willingness to invest between neighborhoods highlight the need for tailored approaches to energy transition. A recent assessment of two multifamily residential buildings—one in Zaharna Fabrika and another in Knyazhevo—provides valuable insights into the factors influencing RE adoption and the steps needed to bridge existing gaps. The research is part of the SUNRISE project.

Read more