In the United States, 95 million people live in insecure housing situations, either due to overcrowding or poor quality shelter, having payments too large for the residents’ income or being altogether homeless. Globally, the situation is much graver with 1.6 billion living in substandard housing conditions and 100 million homeless. Habitat for Humanity aids in the Christian ministry of rebuilding stable communities through its many initiatives, including the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.
More than 1,000 volunteers will help former President and Mrs. Carter to build, renovate and rehabilitate 86 homes in three states and the District of Columbia October 4-8, 2010.
In addition, the 2011 Shelter Report will be released on World Habitat Day, Oct. 4. The third edition of the report will shed light on the link between housing and health: the report provides specific instances of poor health and housing around the world, the linkages in those situations and how change can be made.
For more information, visit: Habitat.org.
The best way for youth to get involved is to reach out to the local Habitat affiliate in their area and volunteer for World Habitat Day, Monday, Oct. 4. Activities differ for each local Habitat for Humanity, but all will be involved for World Habitat Day. To find a local affiliate, seach by city and state.
For the long-term, there visit the section on the Habitat for Humanity Website for youth leaders to get their youth groups involved. Included are various activities for different age groups, leadership conferences, international builds, programs for youth who want to raise money and help build a Habitat home in their communities and more.
