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

Over the past year, Habitat for Humanity worked alongside volunteers who contributed nearly 42,000 hours’ worth of time, skills and energy to improve housing conditions in communities across Africa. Today, we highlight how volunteering continues to shape individuals, strengthen community connections, and inspire long-term civic engagement.

Volunteers lifting a wall from the ground on build site

The power of donor impact in Romania

A home is where you spend Christmas, where you sleep through the night without cold air slipping in through broken windows. A home is where homework happens at the kitchen table, where families can cook, rest, feel safe, and dream together.Without decent housing, everything becomes harder. Health, education, stability, and even relationships suffer. That is why Hope Builds in Romania, unique volunteer house-building events, are so important.

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.