Habitat for Humanity advocates for equal opportunities in housing by promoting policies that prioritize access to safe, decent, and affordable shelter for everyone, regardless of nationality, gender, disability, or socioeconomic status. Our advocacy work aims to remove barriers that prevent marginalized groups from securing adequate housing and to influence systems that shape how communities grow and develop. We believe that housing is a human right and that inclusive, people-centered policies are key to building a just and resilient future.
Home Equals is Habitat for Humanity’s global advocacy campaign aimed at increasing access to adequate housing in informal settlements. Over 1 billion people worldwide live in informal or substandard housing, often lacking basic infrastructure, legal protection, and access to essential services. Home Equals calls on governments and key stakeholders to prioritize policy changes and investments that improve living conditions, uphold the right to housing, and foster social inclusion for all.
In Jordan, Habitat for Humanity is localizing the Home Equals campaign to address the urgent housing challenges faced by vulnerable communities, especially in urban areas and informal settlements. We work with communities, partners, and policymakers to advocate for inclusive urban planning, improved infrastructure, and access to safe, affordable, and climate-change mitigation and adaptation. Our approach is rooted in community engagement, ensuring that the voices of residents are central to shaping solutions.
Our advocacy focuses on four key subthemes:
- Community participation, ensuring that residents are directly involved in shaping decisions that affect their homes and neighborhoods.
- Tenure security, advocating for policy solutions that protect people’s right to stay in their homes without fear of eviction.
- Access to basic services, such as water, sanitation, and infrastructure, to ensure a healthy and dignified living environment.
- Climate resilience, promoting housing and neighborhood upgrades that can withstand climate-related risks and reduce environmental impact.
Through Home Equals, we aim to influence national policies, enhance local collaboration, and amplify the stories of families living in inadequate housing. By advancing this campaign, we are working toward a future where everyone, regardless of status or background, has a decent place to call home.