Iryna, a new mother, found herself saying things she never expected. On an ordinary day in February, her life and her family’s life took a sudden turn. This one event forced her to make a decision that would change everything forever.
Discover how wienerberger and Habitat for Humanity are partnering to build sustainable, affordable homes across Europe and beyond–empowering communities, improving lives, and shaping a better future through innovation and a shared purpose.
The full-scale war which started in February 2022 has left scars on Ukraine, not only on the land but in the hearts of millions. Streets once filled with the laughter of children now stand in silence, overshadowed by the rubble of destroyed homes. What was once a personal tragedy for some has become a national housing crisis – the largest since Ukraine’s independence – with millions of people displaced and forced to seek shelter in overcrowded apartments or temporary accommodation, often relying on the generosity of strangers.
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.
Climate change poses a significant threat to housing security, particularly for low-income communities. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods and wildfires, are becoming more frequent and severe. Furthermore, sea level rise poses an increasing threat to families and their homes in low-lying coastal regions.
Despite the fact energy is the engine of civilization, nowadays access to adequate and affordable sources is not equally distributed on the planet.
Arpad provides solidarity accommodation for people who fled the war in Ukraine through a joint program by Habitat for Humanity Hungary, From Streets to Homes Association and The City is for All. When the war began in late February 2022, Arpad felt the urge to help and made a conscious decision when considering his options.
Housing is one of the basic human needs: the World Health Organization defined it as a “residential environment which includes, in addition to the physical structure that man uses for shelter, all necessary services, facilities, equipment and devices needed or desired for the physical and mental health and social well-being of the family”.