News and Events

Empty Buildings are a Housing Resource Waiting to be Tapped – So Why Don’t We?

Big Issue, November 30, 2024 Edit

The national director at Habitat for Humanity GB, a global charity dedicated to building and improving homes for those in need, explains why converting empty spaces is essential to address the housing crisis.

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High Street, Romford Opening for Habitat for Humanity Shop ReStore

Romford Recorder, November 28, 2024 Edit

A new “first-of-its-kind” DIY charity shop has opened in Romford.

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‘First for Great Britain’ Home Improvements Charity Shop Opens

UK Fundraising, November 27, 2024 Edit

Habitat for Humanity GB’s new ReStore in Romford sells tools and materials for home improvements, including building materials and white goods.

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First of its Kind DIY Charity Shop Opens

Third Sector, November 27, 2024 Edit

The shop will generate funds for the charity but also give shoppers access to home improvement materials.

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‘Unique’ Charity Shop Selling Building Materials Officially Launches in London

Civil Society, November 26, 2024 Edit

A “unique” charity shop that sells building materials alongside used furniture and household items has officially launched in east London.

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First Ever Habitat ReStore in Britain Opens in Romford

Essex Live, November 24, 2024 Edit

The chain has shops worldwide and sells new and “gently used” furniture and household items for a “fraction” of the normal prices.

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Habitat for Humanity GB Charity Appeal 2023 – Impact Story

BBC, November 7, 2024 Edit

We are delighted that through the kindness of BBC Radio 4 listeners, Habitat for Humanity Great Britain raised over £12,000 to support our work in helping people out of housing poverty. Thank you!

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From Europe to SE Asia: UK Cyclist Raises Funds for Disaster Victims

The Phnom Penh Post, October 31, 2024 Edit

UK cyclist Tim Jones is travelling from Europe to SE Asia, raising funds for Habitat for Humanity. The 28 year old electrical metering technician left his home in Hertfordshire, UK on May 16 and has since covered over 10,000 kilometres through 15 countries,

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Empty Buildings Are A Resource Waiting to Be Tapped

Big Issue, October 28, 2024 Edit

Henrietta Blackmore, national director at Habitat for Humanity GB, a global charity dedicated to building and improving homes for those in need, discusses why converting empty spaces is essential to address the housing crisis.

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CEO of GB Homes to Depart Following Integration with HFHGB

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, October 22, 2024 Edit

Following the announcement of the integration of Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (HFHGB) and GB Homes, David Clare, CEO of GB Homes since 2022, will be leaving Habitat for Humanity this week.

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Integration of Habitat For Humanity GB and GB Homes

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, October 15, 2024 Edit

We are pleased to announce that Habitat for Humanity Great Britain and its subsidiary, GB Homes, have now fully integrated into one unified organisation, marking a significant step in our journey toward a stronger future.

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The Labour Government and Real Estate

DJB Law, October 14, 2024 Edit

The new Government announcements on law reform and policy and how this will impact the real estate sector.

 

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Proposed Reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework – Our Response

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, September 24, 2024 Edit

Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system – Response from Habitat for Humanity Great Britain

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Comment: Unlocking Housing Potential

Inside Housing, August 28, 2024 Edit

Our National Director, Dr. Henrietta Blackmore urges collaboration to repurpose empty spaces and tackle the housing crisis in her latest comment piece.

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Why Empty Offices Could Be Key in Tackling The Housing Crisis

FRAME, July 19, 2024 Edit

In many places around the world, there’s a dire need for more affordable homes. Could the post-pandemic surplus of commercial workspaces help to fill the gap?

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King’s Speech: ‘Opportunity for Charities and Philanthropists’

Civil Society, July 18, 2024 Edit

Dr Henrietta Blackmore, ND of Habitat for Humanity GB speaks on the King’s Speech identifying opportunities for the housing sector.

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Wienerberger is Helping to Transform Empty Spaces into Homes

Wienerberger, May 27, 2024 Edit

Wienerberger has partnered with Habitat for Humanity International to repurpose vacant spaces across Great Britain and other countries.

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Developing Partnerships and Mutual Understanding When Working on Overseas Projects

Charities Management, April 29, 2024 Edit

Dr Henrietta Blackmore, national director at Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, discusses the Habitat’s UK operations alignment to the global model and recent changes for sending volunteers overseas.

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Habitat for Humanity’s Solid Ground programme: Grace’s Story

Comic Relief, April 9, 2024 Edit

Learn how Comic Relief funded programme, Habitat for Humanity Solid Ground, is helping communities like Grace’s improve their homes against floods.

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Empty Spaces to Homes Toolkit: Fundraising & Communications Webinar

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, March 28, 2024 Edit

The first session of our exclusive webinar series dedicated to revolutionising charity housing initiatives. Our first webinar ‘Fundraising & Communications’ delves into the vital aspects of financing and promoting Empty Spaces to Homes projects.

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Providing Shelter for Ukraine’s Displaced Women and Children

France 24, March 8, 2024 Edit

In an exclusive interview on FRANCE 24’s International Women’s Day special, Dr. Henrietta Blackmore, National Director at Habitat for Humanity GB, reveals the organisation’s initiatives addressing the crucial needs of Ukrainian women and children forced to flee amid Russia’s two-year invasion. 

 

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Our Partnership with Leo Lion Foundation

Leo Lion Foundation, February 7, 2024 Edit

Our partnership with them began in 2008 when they funded our Orphans and Vulnerable Children project in Uganda, Mozambique and Zambia.

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Rethinking Commercial to Residential Conversions

APPG for Housing Market and Housing Delivery & APPG for Ending Homelessness, February 2, 2024 Edit

There is a desperate need for more affordable housing. This is disproportionately impacting low-income households and is a core driver of homelessness. A lack of supply results in rising rents, less choice at the lower end of the market and fewer options for those moving out of homelessness.

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Vote for Us in the Discount Promo Codes Charity Poll this February!

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, January 25, 2024 Edit

Vote for us today and join our community in making a difference, every vote brings us closer to transforming lives through shelter. Thank you for your support!

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Daliso Chaponda Presents Our BBC Radio 4 Appeal

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, January 17, 2024 Edit

Comedian Daliso Chaponda presents our BBC Radio 4 Appeal, highlighting Tasila’s story. Airing on Sunday 21st January at 07:54am and 21:25pm GMT and again on Thursday 25th January at 15:27pm GMT. 

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Webinar – Building Healthier Homes in Malawi

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, January 15, 2024 Edit

Building Healthier Homes in Malawi is an exclusive free online event designed for our supporters, join us on February 2nd at 12:30pm GMT to learn about the impact of our work.

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Christmas Charity Appeal Films for 2023: Part 2

UK Fundraising, December 20, 2023 Edit

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain’s Christmas video appeal tells the story of the ‘forgotten homeless’. The short film in collaboration with poet Tomfoolery asks how “we could just walk past and ignore” those sleeping rough on the streets of Britain.

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National Director Of Habitat For Humanity Great Britain Appointed

National Director Of Habitat For Humanity Appointed, November 29, 2023 Edit

Henrietta Blackmore has been recruited as Habitat for Humanity’s national director. Blackmore succeeds Tum Kazunga, who was appointed CEO of Habitat for Humanity in 2018.

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Helping Habitat For Humanity Transform Old Furniture To Create Lovely New Homes

The Brewers Foundation, November 23, 2023 Edit

The Brewers Foundation were delighted to donate over £1,000 worth of decorating supplies to Habitat for Humanity, a charity tackling housing poverty around the world.

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Will Our High Streets Crumble Under The Pressure Of Empty Properties?

Business Matters Magazine, November 7, 2023 Edit

Habitat for Humanity (Great Britain) estimated that around 7,000 commercial properties owned by local authorities across England, Scotland, and Wales had been vacant for more than 12 months by 2020. 

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Are Empty Offices The Answer To UK’s Housing Crisis?

Big Issue, September 12, 2023 Edit

While ministers are pondering their next move, Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (HFHGB) is trying to use the transformation of commercial properties into homes as a scalable solution to the housing crisis.

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Protecting Communities Against Flood Risk

University of Cambridge, July 13, 2023 Edit

Recognising the need to understand risk and to build resilience globally, Habitat for Humanity has been working with the University of Cambridge since March 2022 on the implementation of a project to build community resilience against flood hazards in urban areas of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia…

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Toolkit Urges Councils To Convert Empty Buildings Into Homes For Care Leavers

Children and Young People Now, June 22, 2023 Edit

A toolkit and app have been launched to help local authorities, charities and community-based organisations convert vacant commercial

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Retrofitting Vacant Council-Owned Spaces Into Affordable Housing

Architect's Journal, June 22, 2023 Edit

Councils are sitting on ‘enough empty property for 19,500 affordable homes’.

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Converting Disused Offices and Retail Spaces

The Evening Standard, June 20, 2023 Edit

Habitat for Humanity sets sights on converting disused offices and retail to homes.

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Transforming Empty Flats for Young People

The Havering Daily, June 16, 2023 Edit

Barking and Dagenham Council partner with Habitat for Humanity GB to transform empty flats for young people leaving care.

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Fair access to proper housing can boost economic growth – report

Reuters, May 15, 2023 Edit

Providing equitable access to appropriate housing in slums and other informal settlements could massively increase economic growth…

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The Importance Of Devolving Power In The International Charity Sector

Civil Society, April 6, 2023 Edit

Chief executive of Habitat for Humanity GB, Tum Kazunga, speaks about the importance of devolving power in the international charity sector, and barriers to entry.

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The Real World Podcast

Davitt Jones Bould, February 20, 2023 Edit

An interview with Director of Development, Tessa Kelly, as part of Davitt Jones Bould podcast, The Real World.

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Habitat for Humanity Great Britain Issues Statement on the Turkey-Syria Earthquake

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, February 7, 2023 Edit

Two strong earthquakes hit southern Turkey and northern Syria on Monday, February 6th 2023, with dozens of aftershocks felt across the region. The earthquake is the strongest to hit Turkey since 1939.

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Britain’s cost-of-living crisis worsens as rents soar.

CNBC, August 10, 2022 Edit

Article on the cost of living crisis. Featuring Tum Kazunga, CEO at Habitat for Humanity Great Britain.

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We helped renovate a womens’ refuge!

Paprika Software, August 4, 2022 Edit

Paprika Software volunteers support renovation works at a womens’ refuge.

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New York Times

New York Times, July 23, 2022 Edit

Bamboo Is a Salve for Impoverished Nepal – An article on the power of bamboo for housing in Nepal.  

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World Refugee Day

Habitat for Humanity, June 19, 2022 Edit

A thought piece by Habitat for Humanity Great Britain’s CEO, Tum Kazunga on the importance of housing in a refugee crisis.

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New Business: Cloverhut Partnership

NewBusiness.co.uk, April 27, 2022 Edit

Online raffle organisation, Cloverhut, launches a partnership to support Habitat for Humanity Great Britain.

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Ukraine Crisis: Statement from Tum Kazunga

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, February 28, 2022 Edit

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain’s appeal features in the ‘UK Fundraising list of appeals launched for Ukraine.’

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Fundraising appeals launched for Ukraine

UK Fundraising, February 27, 2022 Edit

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain’s appeal features in the ‘UK Fundraising list of appeals launched for Ukraine.’

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CAF: Ukraine Crisis Response Charities Listed

CAF Online, February 27, 2022 Edit

How to donate to charities supporting Ukraine’s Refugees as curated by Charities Aid Foundation (CAF)

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UK Fundraising: Fundraising appeals launched for Ukraine

UK Fundraising, February 27, 2022 Edit

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain’s appeal features in the ‘UK Fundraising list of appeals launched for Ukraine.’

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12 great corporate fundraising partnerships

UK Fundraising, December 22, 2021 Edit

Habitat for Humanity GB features in UK Fundraising’s blog ’12 great corporate fundraising partnerships.’

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MyLondon: Empty Spaces

My London, December 8, 2021 Edit

Blackstone Real Estate’s supporting the Empty Spaces project with Habitat for Humanity Great Britain.

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New partnership with Blackstone Real Estate

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, November 28, 2021 Edit

A new partnership with Blackstone Real Estate

New house and home partnership.

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Habitat for Humanity Launch their Christmas Appeal for 2021

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, November 20, 2021 Edit

Habitat for Humanity GB’s Christmas appeal focusses on land and housing rights in Zambia. Donations made are being generously doubled by COINS Foundation.

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New partnership with Whirlpool UK

JMM, November 16, 2021 Edit

A new partnership with Whirlpool UK

New house and home partnership.

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Join the Retrofit Conversation

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, November 11, 2021 Edit

Habitat for Humanity’s COP26 Side Event

Towards net zero cities through green retrofit/renovation of empty spaces.

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New coalition to turn empty spaces into affordable homes

Cities Today, October 12, 2021 Edit

Empty Spaces to Homes Coalition

The Empty Spaces Coalition has been brought together by charity Habitat for Humanity Great Britain and investment firm M&G.

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Homes for Scotland’s Nicola Barclay named Habitat for Humanity GB board chair

Scottish Housing News, July 5, 2021 Edit

Nicola Barclay, chief executive of Homes for Scotland, appointed as chair of Habitat for Humanity Great Britain’s board of trustees

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Insider view: Nicola Barclay, chief executive of Homes for Scotland

The Scotsman, June 10, 2021 Edit

Nicola Barclay, chief executive of trade body Homes for Scotland, and trustee at Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, outlines her personal philosophies

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Vacant commercial premises could provide up to 200,000 homes for the vulnerable, says Habitat for Humanity

Property Funds World, June 4, 2021 Edit

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, a charity focused on long-term poverty alleviation through affordable, social housing, has partnered with leading savings and investment company, M&G plc (M&G), to unveil exciting new research outlining how homelessness can be addressed by repurposing vacant commercial property around the UK.

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Empty council properties add up to 19,500 homes

The Times, June 3, 2021 Edit

Councils in Britain own commercial or retail buildings that have been empty for more than a year and could be converted into 19,500 homes.They also own 24,000 empty homes that could help ease the housing crisis, according to a report by Habitat for Humanity, a housing charity, and M&G investments.

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CALA assists Habitat for Humanity’s COVID-19 relief project in India

Scottish Construction Now, April 19, 2021 Edit

CALA Group has partnered with Habitat for Humanity Great Britain to help support the charity’s COVID-19 relief work in India.

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Bamboo seen as ideal building material for sustainable homes

Business World, March 16, 2021 Edit

Base Bahay foundation is aiming to build 10,000 cement-bamboo frame houses in Negros Occidental, with partners, Habitat for Humanity and HILTI Foundation.

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Habitat for Humanity calls for ShelterTech accelerators applicants in SEA to disrupt the affordable housing space

Digital News Asia, October 14, 2020 Edit

NGO Habitat for Humanity recently announced that its Terwilliger Centre for Innovation in Shelter is taking applications for ShelterTech accelerators in Southeast Asia.

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Habitat for Humanity partners with Miller Homes to help rebuild Beirut

Property Funds World, October 12, 2020 Edit

In response to the devastating explosion in the Port of Beirut in August, Miller Homes has partnered with Habitat for Humanity Great Britain to help rebuild the Lebanese capital.

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Miller homes raises £500k for Habitat for Humanity

The Negotiator, March 24, 2020 Edit

Miller Homes has raised £500,00 for people in poverty worldwide in support of its corporate charity partner, Habitat for Humanity Great Britain.

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CALA announces partnership with Habitat for Humanity Great Britain

Scottish Housing News, December 13, 2019 Edit

CALA announces partnership with Habitat for Humanity Great Britain.

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The Habitat for Humanity Build Jimmy Carter Called His Favorite

Reader’s Digest, November 1, 2019 Edit

You’d think that being president of the United States would be the pinnacle of anyone’s life. For James (Jimmy) Earl Carter, Jr., it was just one stop on a very long train ride, filled with powerful, good deeds and gentle influence.

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Opinion: Realizing the right to housing amid urban challenges

Devex, August 8, 2019 Edit

By Enid Madarcos, Asia-Pacific urban policy manager, Habitat for Humanity International

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Working but homeless: a tale from England’s housing crisis

Financial Times, December 18, 2018 Edit

By converting an old Quakers house, Habitat for Humanity is tackling homelessness in a wealthy town.

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Volunteers’ stories: helping Habitat for Humanity change lives

Financial Times, December 14, 2018 Edit

In a series of moving accounts, four people share their experiences of building homes for those in need.

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Too cold to live in: how Habitat for Humanity is helping families in Macedonia are rebuilding their homes

Financial Times, December 11, 2018 Edit

Heating an apartment can cost up to half the average salary — but Habitat for Humanity is helping to fix that.

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A fixed abode: How US retirees are helping Cambodia’s poor

Financial Times, December 6, 2018 Edit

Habitat for Humanity has repaired and built houses for more than 70,000 households in the country.

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How Kenyan women are changing their lives with a new way to buy homes

Financial Times, December 4, 2018 Edit

Female customers who could not afford to buy houses can now build them with a loan scheme.

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Martin Wolf and FT writers: what home means to me

Financial Times, November 29, 2018 Edit

A selection of personal stories for the FT’s Seasonal Appeal in support of Habitat for Humanity.

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Giving hope: how to help ‘working poor’ US families build a home

Financial Times, November 27, 2018 Edit

In Arizona, Habitat for Humanity is creating safe and decent housing for people in need.

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Habitat for Humanity: the key facts

Financial Times, November 22, 2018 Edit

How a global charity helping to ease poverty and eradicate poor housing was born.

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FT editor Lionel Barber introduces the Seasonal Appeal

Financial Times, November 22, 2018 Edit

This year, FT is supporting Habitat for Humanity, and showcasing the global housing charity’s work in a series of inspiring stories.

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Beirut: when home is a refugee camp

Financial Times, November 22, 2018 Edit

Lebanon has the highest number of refugees per capita in the world. Chloe Cornish reports.

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In their footsteps: a walk through a Beirut refugee camp

Financial Times, November 20, 2018 Edit

Fourteen-year-old Mariam leads the way through the 1 square km Burj al-Barajneh camp, home to over 18,000 people including Syrian refugees and Palestinians.

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Shortlists for the Business Charity Awards include big-name brands

Third Sector, March 29, 2017 Edit

Miller Homes with Habitat for Humanity GB shortlisted in Charity partnership – property and construction.

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