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The Empty Spaces Partners page showcases the organizations and individuals supporting the project’s mission across Europe, with a focus on Poland and Great Britain.

Habitat for Humanity is working with USAID to pioneer new ways to help communities overcome the legacy of poorly built, energy inefficient housing stock of multi-apartment buildings, and to create strong, stable and healthy communities for the future.

Bratislava (January 15, 2025) – Habitat for Humanity International is delighted to announce the continuation of its long-standing partnership with wienerberger, one of the leading providers of innovative and ecological building materials and infrastructure solutions. This marks the fifth renewal of a three-year collaboration, extending the relationship into 2025–2027. Since its inception in 2012, the partnership has grown to positively impact thousands of families, creating safer and more energy-efficient homes across Europe and North America.

The Resources page offers a curated collection of materials, guides, and tools to support and inform the Empty Spaces to Homes project.

What if we could tackle Europe’s housing crisis, create millions of green jobs, and fight climate change—all at the same time? That’s the bold vision behind the Just BE Manifesto, where “Just BE” stands for a Just and Resilient Built Environment. Officially titled Practical Policies for a Just and Resilient Built Environment, this powerful call to action was launched in September 2024. It represents a collaborative effort by a coalition of civil society organizations, NGOs, trade unions, local governments, and business representatives, facilitated by the Laudes Foundation.

Can a transition to a greener economy be just if millions of people still lack access to safe, affordable housing? As Europe embarks on its ambitious journey toward a climate-neutral future, it risks overlooking one of the most foundational elements of a truly Just Transition: housing. Far more than just shelter, housing underpins economic stability, social equity, and environmental sustainability.

The housing crisis and environmental sustainability are two of the most pressing challenges of our time. But what if we could address both simultaneously? That’s the bold vision behind Empty Spaces to Homes project, an innovative initiative launched in January 2024. Led by Habitat for Humanity International and funded by the Laudes Foundation, this initiative is transforming vacant and underutilized spaces in Poland, Great Briatin, Hungary, and Croatia into affordable, energy-efficient homes.

The housing crisis in the European Union has grown into a challenge that no one can afford to ignore. What was once a struggle for the most vulnerable is now an everyday concern for middle-income families. Over the past decade, house prices have surged by 47%, and rents have climbed by 18%, leaving millions in precarious living situations. These rising costs are just the tip of the iceberg. Behind the statistics are real people—families, seniors, and young adults—struggling to find secure, affordable, and decent homes.