Our spokespeople

Europe, Middle East and Africa

Habitat for Humanity has extensive knowledge of the housing and shelter sector throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa. For comments and interviews on today’s housing news, we can connect you with spokespeople across the region.

Please contact:

Europe and the Middle east
Katarzyna Jasik-Caínzos
Communications Director, Europe and the Middle East
Phone: +32 478 88 79 08
Email: [email protected]
Africa
Caroline Nyamamu
Communications Director, Africa
Phone: +254 759 067 659
Email: [email protected]

Stories from our region

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. 

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.

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.