The State of the World’s Housing

The world is experiencing a global housing crisis. According to the United Nations, approximately1.6 billion people live in substandard housing and 100 million are homeless. These people are increasingly urban residents, and every week more than a million people are born in, or move to cities in the developing world.  Today, a billion people―32 percent of the global urban population live in urban slums. If no serious action is taken, the United Nations reports that the number of slum dwellers worldwide will increase over the next 30 years to nearly two billion.

In the United States

Approximately 95 million people in the United States have housing problems.  That is one-third of the nation.  These problems include payments that are too large a percentage of their income, overcrowded homes, substandard and homelessness.  Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to providing decent, affordable homes for those in need.

The State of Lee County’s Housing

As of April, 2010 Lee County, Florida has the second largest foreclosure rate in the country and the third largest unemployment rate.   More than 10,000 people are left homeless in the community due to the rise and drastic fall in the housing market.  Even though the cost of housing has decreased in Lee County, employment has decreased making it very difficult for families to purchase homes.  Interest rates continue to make the average mortgage too expensive for low income homeowners.

Clean, decent, stable Habitat homes provide the following for Lee and Hendry County families.

  • Stability for families and children.
  • A sense of dignity and pride
  • Improved health, physical safety and security
  • Increased educational and job opportunities