Country facts:
- Capital city – Warsaw
- Population – 38.3 million
- Life expectancy – 77.75 years
- Unemployment rate – 5.5%
- Below poverty line – 5.4%
Find more country facts on: CIA The World Factbook – Poland
Habitat Facts
- Habitat started in Poland in 1992.
- Individuals served in FY2019 – 440
- Through incremental building – 125
- Through market development – 315
- Volunteers hosted in FY2019 – 697
The housing need in Poland
Poland lacks about 1.5 million affordable homes. About 14% of Poles live in substandard conditions, and 40%, or 15 million people, live in overcrowded conditions of more than two persons per room.
Most Polish families – 70% -- can’t afford a mortgage. Poland builds too few housing units, while the rent market accounts to only 6% of the total housing stock.
Since 1989, the housing sector has been often neglected in Poland, especially for low-income families. The number of apartments built annually has not improved the situation. With 382 apartments for 1,000 inhabitants, Poland ranks as one of the lowest in the European Union.
How Habitat addresses the need
Constructions and renovations
We mobilize financial and material resources as well as volunteers to help families in a difficult housing situation. We also support organizations -- such as homeless shelters, centers for victims of violence, nursing homes for disabled people, orphanages or youth facilities -- helping them to ensure decent living conditions for the most vulnerable.
Housing innovations
We implement innovative model solutions which are a response to housing problems, such as supportive housing solutions through the Social Rental Agency.
Advocacy and education
We increase public awareness of housing problems and advocate for the improvement of housing policy. Currently, Habitat Poland is advocating for legislative changes to increase access to housing for people most in need with a focus on social rental housing. We promote replicable and scalable solutions to maximize the impact of our activities.
Volunteering
Every year, Habitat Poland mobilizes groups of volunteers both corporate and individuals through Habitat’s Global Village volunteer construction program who build and renovate houses as well as share their competences with the families we help.
What you can do
DONATE
USD$: habitat.org/donate/poland
PLN: habitat.pl/en/donate
VOLUNTEER
Join one of the scheduled Global Village volunteer construction trips to Poland or lead your own. For more information go to: habitat.org/gv
TITHE
Establish a strong and rewarding tithe partnership to help build houses globally.
Quote 813700, POLAND on your checks sent to: Habitat for Humanity International,
Attn: Affiliate Tithe, P.O. Box 6598 Americus, GA 31709-3498.
CONTACT
Phone: 00 48 22 642 57 42
