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One billion.

That’s the number of people worldwide living in informal settlements, such as slums and favelas, who are not treated as equals. Their homes often don’t have basic services such as clean water. They lack land rights and are the most vulnerable to climate change.  

However, their homes do more than reveal inequities — they can be a vehicle for confronting them as well. Adequate housing is powerful for well-being and sustainability. Improving the lives of those living in informal settlements has direct impacts on income, health, and education and several spillover effects for entire societies.

People living in informal settlements are already doing their part, working together to create positive change. But governments must listen to residents of informal settlements, and everyone has a role to play.

That is why over the next five years, Habitat for Humanity will work to change policies to ensure a more equitable world where everyone has a safe and secure place to call home.  

Because home equals safety and security. Home equals health. And home equals an opportunity for a better future.

Together, we can change policies and level the playing field.