Child's colorful drawing of a school

Wonderful neighborhoods in communities around the world

When housing is stable and affordable, families can focus on developing vibrant communities that pave the way for a brighter future for themselves – and their children. From around the world, some of the youngest residents of those communities share what their Habitat for Humanity homes mean to them through hand-drawn illustrations of family life and their unique neighborhoods. Through their eyes, we bear witness to the importance of home and how it connects us all.

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Amy, 8, Nicaragua

“What I like most about my neighborhood is that there are many trees and areas to play.”

María, 12, Mexico

“The place in my neighborhood that I like the most is the playing field because I go to play soccer and also eat hot dogs there with my friend.”

Davison, 13, Kenya

“My favorite thing about my neighborhood is playing football.”

Priscilia, 12, Argentina

“What I like most about my neighborhood is the tranquility and nature.”

Enyelit, 10, Nicaragua

 

Juan, 6, Paraguay

“I like to play games on the court.”

 

Yessina, 10, Mexico

“I like my neighborhood because I go out to play with my friends and we buy cakes.”

Maal, 5, South Dakota, U.S.

 

Vicente, 9, Argentina

“My favorite part of my neighborhood is my school.”

Angel, 7, Paraguay

“Every afternoon I play in the park with my friends.”

Alberys, 9, Nicaragua

“What I like most about my neighborhood is to walk around town because there are a lot of people.”

Amy, 8, Nicaragua

“What I like most about my neighborhood is that there are many trees and areas to play.”

María, 12, Mexico

“The place in my neighborhood that I like the most is the playing field because I go to play soccer and also eat hot dogs there with my friend.”

Davison, 13, Kenya

“My favorite thing about my neighborhood is playing football.”

Priscilia, 12, Argentina

“What I like most about my neighborhood is the tranquility and nature.”

Enyelit, 10, Nicaragua

 

Juan, 6, Paraguay

“I like to play games on the court.”

 

Yessina, 10, Mexico

“I like my neighborhood because I go out to play with my friends and we buy cakes.”

Maal, 5, South Dakota, U.S.

 

Vicente, 9, Argentina

“My favorite part of my neighborhood is my school.”

Angel, 7, Paraguay

“Every afternoon I play in the park with my friends.”

Alberys, 9, Nicaragua

“What I like most about my neighborhood is to walk around town because there are a lot of people.”

How housing affects child development

Growing up in a decent, affordable home can have a powerful effect on children. Studies draw a straight line between the quality, location and affordability of housing and a child’s ability to thrive.

Learn more