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. Habitat for Humanity Australia (HFHA) believes a decent home provides much more than bricks and mortar. It’s the foundation for change, giving families the opportunity to be healthier, happier and more secure, and leads to stronger communities that can then grow and sustain themselves.

Families that partner with Habitat for Humanity receive a hand up out of poverty so they can build a better future for themselves. Working with communities, Habitat for Humanity provides training in areas of construction, livelihoods, water, sanitation and hygiene. This gives families the tools and support they need to create a stable and secure future and break the cycle of poverty.

Habitat for Humanity Singapore started in 2004 with only one full-time staff. By end 2011, HFH Singapore is fully staffed with a full-time National Director and a team of 11 persons. Since its inception, HFH Singapore has mobilised hundreds of teams of volunteers for building projects and disaster response to these countries, China Mongolia, India, Indonesia - Aceh (tsunami), Batam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand.

Within Singapore, Habitat is involved in Operation Homeworks, where they clean up the houses of the elderly poor, and help provide adequate household furnishings for families in need.

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.

In 2011, 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 10 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.

Arup provides donations, advice and assistance on new builds, rehabilitations and repairs for simple affordable homes in sustainable communities.

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.