By. Christine Daley, 1L.
Across the world, more than 100 million people are homeless, with just as many suffering from severe housing problems. Worldwide, one out of every three city dwellers, approximately one billion people, live in a slum with conditions including a lack of water, lack of sanitation, overcrowding, and/or flimsy structures, with no guarantee they will be able to hold onto the little they call home. Additionally, the problem strikes closer to home, one third of the U.S. suffers from housing issues such as high cost burdens, overcrowding, poor quality shelter, and homelessness. By the year 2030, an additional 3 billion people will need access to housing; about 4,000 new homes an hour.
In 1986, the UN set aside the first Monday of October as World Habitat Day. For the past 23 years, World Habitat Day has been used as a time to remind us of our responsibility to future generations for affordable housing, reaffirming adequate shelter as a basic human right. This year, on October 5th getting involved is as simple as taking a photo or helping to educate yourself and friends.
What you can do to help and educate:
Tell Congress to pass the SLUM Assistance Act!
Check out the World Habitat Day Handbook
World Habitat Day 2009 Resources
Get involved with World Habitat Day Events
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