Habitat for Humanity International – Bangladesh (HFHI-B) is a non-government organization committed to the alleviation of sub-standard housing. Our central program involves working in partnership with low-income families to build secure and sanitary homes. HFHI-B takes a holistic approach to development, conducting activities through Habitat Resource Centers, and working closely with communities, partner organizations and NGOs. Other essential players in the Habitat program are volunteers. Local and international, corporate and community volunteers work with future homeowners by donating their skills, time and labor to help build houses.

HFHI-B has found that improved shelter conditions, especially through a participatory approach in which the household takes a strong role in the improvements, has tangible community, environmental and health-related benefits.

© Andrew Nelson, 2010

As Bangladesh is one of the many developing countries already feeling the severe effects of climate change, another element of our program focuses on disaster mitigation and response. Out of the total families served by HFHI-B, 602 were provided shelters and latrines after the 2007 flood and Cyclone Sidr in 2008.

HFHI-B is presently working in Mymensingh, Halaughat, Savar, Durgapur, Jessore, Satkhira, Khulna, Kaliganj and Brahmanbaria. HFHI-B builds durable housing incorporating local construction designs and locally produced materials. In the last ten years HFHI-B has served more than 2,500 families by building new homes or renovating existing ones, provides training on being prepared for and mitigating against disasters, how to respond if a disaster occurs and water, sanitation and hygieneand improving sanitation facilities. In addition HFHI-B  issues.

The overall strategic plan from July 2010 focuses on the diversification of housing solutions, building strong implementing partnerships, reducing the impact of disasters in vulnerable communities and the development of research and appropriate technologies.  Between financial years 2010 and 2012, HFHI-B is aiming to serve 10,000 families, through the construction of new homes, repairs and renovations.

The dire housing need in Bangladesh demands that we act now. Support Habitat to reach our goal of exponentially serving more families.

Mission

Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with people in need by building and renovating houses so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which people can experience God's love, and can live and grow into all that God intends.

Vision

To see collaborating organizations, volunteers, communities and the poor in Bangladesh working in dynamic partnerships that facilitates physical, spiritual, socio-economic and emotional well-being in addition to building decent and affordable homes. 

The Right to Adequate Shelter

© Leah Sanderson, 2010

The United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 and 12 additional UN texts explicitly recognize the right to adequate housing as an integral part of the right to an adequate standard of living.  The declaration states; “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing…”