Habitat for Humanity

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Shelter is a basic human need. Living in a decent shelter can mean better economic opportunities, a greater sense of community with improved health, hygiene and education. It also helps to break the poverty cycle.

Simple, Affordable Homes

Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity, operates as a not-for-profit, global organisation that aims to build simple, decent and affordable housing in partnership with people in need. With the help of organisations such as Arup it has helped more than two million people build over 400,000 houses.

In support of Habitat for Humanity, Arup provides donations, advice and assistance on new builds, rehabilitations and repairs for simple affordable homes in sustainable communities. Our experts assist in building sustainable housing, water and sanitation facilities as well as constructing schools and community facilities.

Building Communities

This year, Habitat for Humanity Australia and Nepal began a two year project to construct 250 houses, 250 toilets and 60 wells for female headed households.

In March 2011, 100 Australian women travelled to Itahari in Eastern Nepal to build the first 10 houses, which has already changed the lives of ten Nepalese rural women and their families who didn’t have homes of their own. Arup donated $20,000 to this project and sponsored four Australian women to make the journey. These women were also involved in fundraising activities to assist with airfare and additional contributions for building materials and the labour costs of the houses.

In concert with Habitat for Humanity around the world, 10 Arup employees from Singapore volunteered to help in a Batam Build in Indonesia. Arup is raising funds to send participants to the Nine Dragons Build in Vietnam – a mission to build homes for Vietnamese families in need. The Arup team will raise funds for the project and travel to Vietnam and work with Habitat for Humanity to build seven homes alongside the home partners and the community.

While closer to home, Arup is providing sponsorship for the Yea Heights project in Victoria and assisting families affected by the Black Saturday Bushfires.

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Arup and Habitat for Humanity

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