Sasja Bouwer

Poverty remains largely a rural phenomenon in the Philippines, but as the country urbanizes, poverty has become more evident in towns and cities. By 2025, more than half of the urban dwellers will be poor. In Metro Manila, more than 126,000 families live in slums, often on exposed riverbanks, garbage dumps and alongside polluted highways and railroads.

Since 1988, Habitat for Humanity Philippines has played an active role in providing decent, durable and affordable housing for families in need. Through a network of project offices in rural and urban areas, Habitat Philippines has built and repaired tens of thousands of homes. Habitat has also assisted more than 5,000 families displaced by typhoons, fire and landslides.

Habitat Philippines uses mainly a “Building in Stages” housing microfinance model for the construction of small core houses. Once the initial mortgage has been repaid, home partners can take out another mortgage to add new rooms or facilities. Through its urban renewal program, Habitat Philippines also builds efficient and affordable medium-rise condominium-type structures in areas where land is scarce and expensive. In addition to homes, Habitat Philippines builds classrooms with the help of various corporate supporters.

Global Village is Habitat for Humanity’s international volunteer program. Teams travel to over 40 countries to work alongside communities, build housing solutions, and experience local culture. Our goal is to change the lives of the people we serve, as well as the lives of the volunteers.

To join a team or learn more, visit www.habitat.org/gv.

About Habitat for Humanity International 

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.