Habitat for Humanity and Employee Foundation of the VKR Group Build on Shared Values in Poland

Bratislava (August 14, 2025) – Habitat for Humanity is excited to announce the next step in our growing collaboration with the Employee Foundation of the VKR Group. Together, we’re building on shared values and years of impactful work, this time through hands-on volunteer work and collective action in Poland.

In September 2025, a team of volunteers from across VKR Holding, DOVISTA, and VELUX will join Habitat Poland on-site in Piaseczno, near Warsaw. Over the course of one week, these volunteers will help breathe new life into a long-abandoned tenement building, part of our Empty Spaces to Homes initiative. This effort, delivered in partnership with the Lena Grochowska Foundation, will convert a historic building into safe, affordable housing for people at risk of social exclusion — including refugees, people with disabilities, and those recovering from homelessness.

Together, we build opportunity

The Piaseczno project is a renovation together with a bold vision for inclusion and resilience. By blending housing with social support services, it offers future residents not just a roof over their heads, but the resources they need to thrive: guidance from social workers, mental health professionals, and employment mentors.

“This project embodies the core of what we believe in: taking empty spaces and turning them into homes, places of hope and belonging” said Ekin Ogutogullari, Habitat for Humanity’s Vice President for Europe and the Middle East. “Together with the Employee Foundation of VKR Group and our other dedicated partners, we are building futures filled with stability, dignity, and opportunity.”

Repurposing vacant buildings instead of demolishing them reflects a deep commitment to both environmental sustainability and social inclusion. It’s a circular, people-centered solution — one that addresses the urgent need for affordable housing while also reducing our carbon footprint.

Every step builds something greater

Once again, the Employee Foundation will engage thousands of VKR Group colleagues around the world through its Donate Your Steps challenge. From September 1–9, employees will track their steps, and the Foundation will match those steps with a financial donation to support Habitat’s work.

“The Empty Spaces to Homes initiative is a natural reflection of our values and our commitment to giving back to local communities.” said Lotte Kragelund, Executive Director of the Employee Foundation. “Renovating instead of rebuilding reduces carbon emissions, preserves heritage and provides dignified housing. This partnership is about construction as well as healthy communities and a more sustainable future.”

By combining movement and mission, the challenge invites all employees — not just the 20 volunteers in Poland — to be part of something meaningful. 

A lasting partnership rooted in purpose

Since 2022, the partnership between Habitat for Humanity and the Employee Foundation has helped transform vacant buildings into homes, strengthened communities, and empowered vulnerable groups across Europe. Together, we build more than just homes — we build community, climate resilience, and hope.

“As we welcome VKR volunteers to Poland, we are reminded that lasting change begins with small steps, a shared vision, one partnership and one community at a time,” said Ogutogullari. “This collaborations is proof of what is possible when people unite to create a better future.”