Search Results

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. 

For communities across the globe, having a safe and stable home is the foundation for a brighter future. This is especially true in marginalized areas where access to basic amenities and legal housing remains a challenge. Habitat for Humanity’s “Home Equals” initiative stands strives to empower families and communities to build a better life.

Excel CoolCoat continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of families like Arulselvi’s. With heat relief and reduced energy costs, this affordable solution is helping families live more comfortably. As Excel Coatings expands its reach, the company is committed to ensuring that every home can experience the cooling benefits of this innovative product.

In this article, we dive into the real-world impact of Excel CoolCoat. From Sakuntala’s family to others across India, see how this cooling solution has transformed homes, providing comfort and peace during sweltering heat. Learn how partnerships and innovative marketing are making these life-changing solutions more accessible to low-income families.

Excel Coatings is leading the charge in transforming homes across India with its affordable, sustainable cooling solution, Excel CoolCoat. This innovative product is helping families combat extreme summer heat, offering relief without the high cost of air conditioning. Discover how this simple, eco-friendly solution is reshaping the way millions live through the hottest months.

 Every home holds a story, and for many families, the journey to finding a safe and secure place to live is filled with incredible challenges. In 2024, Habitat for Humanity organized hundreds of volunteering activities across our network all over the world, bringing hope and support to countless communities. In Romania in particular, over 270 dedicated volunteers helped transform lives through 3 big accelerated volunteering build events called Hope Build. As part of these efforts, eight families moved closer to their dream of having a home they can call their own. On this International Volunteer Day, we celebrate the resilience of these families and the generosity of those who built alongside them.