Home Equals…
Guatemala City, (October 4, 2023) – Habitat for Humanity Guatemala joins the five-year campaign, called “Home equals…”, which seeks to change local, national and global policies so that those living in informal settlements improve their access to adequate housing.
According to United Nations data, more than one billion people in the world reside in slums and other informal settlements. These represent more than 50% of the 1.8 billion people worldwide who lack adequate housing. If we look at the regional level, this organization estimates that more than 95 million people live in informal settlements in Latin America and the Caribbean; while other organizations, such as the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), raise the figure to more than 120 million people.
In Guatemala, according to data compiled by government agencies and civil society organizations, it is estimated that at least 40% of the population does not have adequate housing. This housing deficit is not only a lack of a roof over their heads, but also includes problems related to quality, accessibility, overcrowding, lack of basic services such as drinking water and sanitation, and the precarious conditions of habitability and safety of existing housing.
In that sense, during the XV National Housing Forum, an event where strategies and innovative solutions to address the housing deficit and move towards the achievement of affordable and sustainable housing, Habitat for Humanity Guatemala partners, public and private organizations and special guests joined this campaign, “Home equals…” is already active in more than 35 countries around the world.
Over the next five years, the “Home equals…” campaign will seek to improve people’s lives, through secure tenure, empowered participation, improved climate resilience and access to basic services, we can address poverty, improve health and education, promote racial and gender justice, and support economic growth for all.
Individuals who want to join the “Home equals…” campaign can learn more at https://www.habitat.org/home-equals including how to engage their voice in support of a more equitable world.
Contact:
Diana Reyes, Communications Coordinator
Habitat for Humanity Guatemala
Phone: 4740-6428
DReyes@habitatguate.org
