Habitat for Humanity builds impact during the International Youth Day
SAN JOSE (Aug 8) – In its mission to support the development of communities and the resources mobilization to enable access to adequate housing for low-income families and leveraged the International Youth Day, the international organization Habitat for Humanity calls on all Latin American youth to express their ideas and proposals through a global event that will take place simultaneously, this August 10 in 9 countries of the region including Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Guyana, Nicaragua, Bolivia and Mexico.
Different activities will be conducted in each country, ranging from construction crews working on homes for Habitat partner families, to awareness raising walks to promote collaboration of social agencies and entities closer to the problem. Mosaic decoration in the Favelas and cultural activities in Mexico City are part of the activities that young people will use as a tool to get citizens involve in promoting access to housing solutions for everyone..
The event is a tool to ask young people to become active actors of Habitat for Humanity, to bring a message of hope and love in action to thousands of families through the construction of housing solutions and to share information and training for families who live in marginalized areas of our region.
“In a region so full of need and disparity such as Latin America and the Caribbean, our young people not only have to fight for better conditions for themselves and their families, but, for a suitable place to live and grow” said Mitssy Rovira Regional Volunteer Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity Latin America and the Caribbean. “Therefore, this August 10 we want all young people in Latin America and the Caribbean to join the cause of adequate shelter for all and have it proclaim a universal right to break the cycle of poverty” she added.
According to UN figures, today about 1.6 million people worldwide live in inadequate housing, one billion of those living in informal settlements and it is estimated that by 2030, this will increase to 2 billion, so it is important to act now.
The scope of Habitat for Humanity extends in various areas including advocacy, training and technical support as well as development of capacities to contribute to the strengthening of the society. The ultimate goal is to improve access and promote the right to adequate housing for all.
Universal access to adequate housing is promoted with the hopw of changing the systems that limit housing opportunities for low-income families, and to ensure that adequate and affordable housing is a reality for all.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that safe and affordable housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 3 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates for fair and just housing policies and provides training and access to resources to help more families improve their shelter conditions. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To get more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit habitat.org.