Let’s Open the Door

A woman sits holding a dog on her porch in front of a blue house. Her two children, a boy and girl, sit beside her, smiling.

Home is the foundation on which we build our lives. 

But every day 1 in 3 people around the world wake up without the security of safe affordable housing.  

We’re working to change that. We know safe, affordable housing sparks wider change, leading to better health, education and well-being, more economic growth, and less poverty.

That’s why we have helped people around the world build, improve or finance places to call home for more than 50 years. Together with supporters like you, we’ve built a mission — and a movement.

Now, we’re building on that momentum. Through hands-on builds, pop-up exhibits, compelling new research and powerful storytelling, we’re bringing housing to the center stage at a global scale.  

Because housing matters. With safe, stable homes, families have the freedom to focus on what matters most, empowering them to build their future on their own terms.

It all starts with an open door. 

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Learn more about our global efforts as we celebrate 50 years of building with families and communities.

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Did you know?

In Latin America and the Caribbean region: 

45% of people don’t have a decent place to live.

In 2022, disasters caused US$1.8 billion in damages and economic losses.

An estimated 120 million people live in informal settlements.

A child wearing jeans and a tank top squats on the clean floor to play with a green toy car and pink lego.

100,000 Concrete Floors

The 100,000 Floors to Play On initiative, introduced in 2022, seeks to replace 100,000 dirt floors or floors in poor condition with concrete floors in vulnerable homes across the region by 2028. A clean, concrete floor impacts children’s health and development, leading to more time spent studying and enjoying their home.

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Colorful artist rendering of a cat sitting on an orange couch next to a plant looking out a window at an ocean sunset

Habitat doors are popping up

Keep an eye out as Habitat doors start popping up in cities around the world – including in Mexico City! Featuring impact stories paired with original work from a local artist, these doors are sparking critical conversations about why home matters. 

Pop in!

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  • A child's legs run out past an open white front door toward his mother who is standing and smiling in the front yard.

    Let's Open the Door

    Over the past fifty years, we have helped more than 65 million people around the world build, improve or finance places to call home. Now, we’re building on that momentum.

    Learn more
  • A woman stands smiling and wearing a blue sari with polka dots in front of a white wall and brown door.

    Let's Open the Door stories

    Behind every open door is a story. As we build on fifty years of making home possible, we’re highlighting some of the people and innovations at the heart of our mission.

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