Housing Challenges in Jordan
- High Refugee Population: Jordan hosts around 3 million refugees and asylum seekers, including over 654,000 registered Syrian refugees. Approximately 82% live outside refugee camps, integrated into towns and cities across the country.
- Strain on Housing and Infrastructure: The influx of refugees has significantly increased demand for affordable housing. Host communities—already facing economic hardship—struggle with overcrowded living conditions, rising rental costs, and inadequate access to water, sanitation, and energy.
- Limited Affordable Housing Stock: There is a shortage of adequate, affordable housing for both Jordanian citizens and refugees. Many low-income families live in substandard dwellings that do not meet safety, accessibility, or energy-efficiency standards.
- Social Pressures in Hosting Communities: Local infrastructure and services such as schools, hospitals, and public utilities are under increasing strain, contributing to rising tensions and deepening social inequality.
A Broader Impact
Jordan’s housing crisis affects more than shelter—it influences education, employment, health, and long-term stability. When families are burdened by unaffordable rents or unsafe living conditions, their ability to thrive and plan for the future is severely limited. Vulnerable groups, including women-headed households, persons with disabilities, and youth, face even greater barriers to accessing secure housing.
Habitat for Humanity Jordan’s Response
Since 2001, Habitat for Humanity Jordan has worked to improve housing conditions for vulnerable Jordanian and refugee families. Through construction, rehabilitation, and energy-efficient retrofitting, we help ensure access to safe, decent, and affordable homes. We also promote community resilience by engaging local leaders, advocating for inclusive housing policies, and supporting sustainable, green building practices.
In 2017, as part of its response to the Syrian refugee crisis, Habitat Jordan served over 800 households in East Amman by rehabilitating and upgrading housing units to improve living conditions for both refugees and vulnerable host community members. Additionally, 63 communal spaces—including schools, health clinics, parks, streets, and public facilities—were upgraded to support social cohesion and provide safe, accessible environments for families and children.
COUNTRY FACTS:
Capital city –Amman
Population – 11.2 million
Life expectancy –74.8 years
Unemployment rate –22.6%
Below poverty line –24.1%
| What You Can Do |
DONATE
VOLUNTEER
The Global Village program was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first batch of volunteers returned to Jordan in February 2023. Please go to habit.org/gv for updates, including when and where the program will resume.
TITHE
All affiliate tithe gifts are sent internationally to serve families outside of the United States. To support the work of Habitat JORDAN, please send your tithe to: Habitat for Humanity International P.O. Box 6598 Americus, GA 31709-3498
CONTACT