World Habitat Day was held on Monday, October 4. World Habitat Day’s purpose is to call attention to the current global state of the human habitat and push toward adequate housing for all.
By raising awareness and advocating for universal decent housing, the hope is to dismantle and alter the systems that reinforce and entrench poverty housing. In doing so, we can make an affordable, decent place to live a reality for all.
World Habitat Day is a day for grassroots action and a day for people to be united in their efforts to eradicate poverty housing.
The 27th Carter Work Project spearheaded World Habitat Day events in six U.S. cities Oct. 3–8. Volunteers will join in building and rehabilitating houses with Habitat homeowner families, former President Carter and Mrs. Carter and other celebrities. The cumulative event, featuring the Carter’s, was held on October 4 in Washington, DC.
In addition, Habitat for Humanity International released their 2011 Shelter Report – Housing and Health: Partners against Poverty in conjunction with World Habitat Day on October 4. The report urges the U.S. government to recognize the link between health and housing around the globe as well as recognizing that addressing the issue of adequate housing and healthy communities together is key in any successful health-focused strategy.