October 6th: World Habitat Day
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (October 3rd, 2014) —According to UN-Habitat, one out of four people lives in slums in urban areas in Latin America and the Caribbean, facing pressing issues such as overcrowding, poor infrastructure, insecurity and no access to basic services like clean water.
This represents over 113 million people who lack adequate housing in the region, the equivalent of the populations of Colombia, Argentina and Peru combined.
To reflect on this issue and raise awareness of the basic right to adequate housing, the United Nations appointed, in 1985, the first Monday of October as World Habitat Day. In 2014, it is celebrated on October 6.
On that date, Habitat for Humanity joins its partners, volunteers and supporters to reaffirm their commitment to the vision of a world in which all people have an adequate place to live.
To achieve this vision, Habitat for Humanity works in more than 70 countries, has built or repaired a million homes (750,000 in Latin America and the Caribbean), and has helped more than 4 million people have adequate housing .
“Adequate housing is a critical factor in breaking the cycle of poverty. We want a world where all people have a decent place to live, so in this World Habitat Day, we promote programs, policies and systems that make this world possible”, said Torre Nelson, area vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean.
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 housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 4 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and supports a variety of funding models that enable families with limited resources to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. 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 learn more, donate or volunteer visit habitatlatino.org.