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.

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. 

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.

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.