Why Housing?
Because homes that protect are the foundation for everything else.
A lack of safe housing is a global crisis affecting 1.6 Billion people in the world.
Around 1.6 billion people worldwide live without adequate housing, forced to endure makeshift or unsafe dwellings—often lacking essential amenities and security. This housing crisis continues to escalate: some estimates indicate that nearly 2.8 billion people still lack access to basic housing, secure land, and fundamental services.
Housing is the foundation of change.
1.6B lack adequate housing
About 1.6 billion people live without adequate housing today; by 2030, up to 3 billion will need access to adequate homes. (SDG 11, SDG 1).
2.2B lack safe water & 3.5B lack safe sanitation
As of 2022, 2.2 billion people lacked safely managed drinking water and 3.5 billion lacked safely managed sanitation—undercutting health, education, and livelihoods. (SDG 6).
1B live >2 km from an all-weather road
Roughly 1 billion people live more than 2 km from an all-weather road; low-cost mobility like bicycles helps bridge this “last-mile” gap and unlock access to school, work, and care. (SDG 9, SDG 11).
123.2M forcibly displaced
At the end of 2024, 123.2 million people were forcibly displaced by conflict and persecution—driving urgent demand for safe, stable housing. (SDG 11, SDG 16).
At Shelter Equity, our mission doesn’t just build homes—it builds momentum toward a more just and sustainable world. We actively align our work with nine of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), tackling poverty, promoting health and well-being, advancing gender equality, and driving access to clean water, sanitation, and economic opportunity. Every home we build is part of a larger vision: resilient communities where people can thrive. By partnering with local leaders and global changemakers, we ensure that our impact is not only immediate, but lasting—because fighting poverty is our mission, and everywhere is the goal.
We provide safe, stable, and secure housing for those in need. By meeting this essential human need, we help lay the groundwork for long-term stability and opportunity.
We work to ensure individuals and families have access to safe and sanitary living conditions. Stable housing reduces exposure to health hazards, supports mental well-being, and creates an environment where people can thrive physically and emotionally.
We provide stable housing that allows children and families to remain rooted in their communities and schools. When families are not burdened by housing insecurity, children are more likely to attend school consistently and succeed academically.
We provide secure housing that empowers women and girls, particularly in vulnerable communities. Safe shelter creates a foundation for greater independence, protection from exploitation, and access to education and economic opportunities.
We ensure the homes we build include access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation facilities. These essential services promote health, dignity, and a higher quality of life for the communities we serve.
We help create local job opportunities through our housing projects and construction efforts. By investing in communities and infrastructure, we help stimulate economic activity and promote long-term financial stability for families and workers.
We prioritize housing solutions for marginalized and underserved populations. Through equitable access to safe and stable shelter, we help bridge social and economic gaps, empowering individuals regardless of their background or circumstances.
We build safe, resilient housing that strengthens neighborhoods and fosters inclusive growth. Our work helps create communities where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity, stability, and connection.
We promote sustainable building practices and resilient housing solutions. We aim to reduce environmental impact while helping communities adapt to the effects of climate change through safe, durable, and energy-conscious construction.
Our Approach to Fighting the Crisis
We work alongside trusted local partners and community members to design the most sustainable solutions for each place we serve. Sometimes that means building safe, permanent housing; other times it includes adding clean water systems, sanitation facilities, or bicycles for mobility. With every project, we ensure that families not only receive shelter but also the tools and support needed to sustain long-term change—so communities can thrive for years to come.
