Words by Smiley Team
During this pandemic, when many are being told to ‘shelter in place’, the importance of having a safe home has never been more obvious.
Habitat for Humanity - which has grown from a grassroots organisation to a global nonprofit operating in all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries worldwide - is working to ensure that everyone has a safe place to live. Whether it be due to financial inequality, environmental disaster or a lack of community support, Habitat for Humanity mobilises to ensure that people receive the support they desperately need. By working with people to solve their unique issues and navigating their specific circumstances, the nonprofit helps provide whatever resources are needed to ensure everyone has access to a safe home.
The nonprofit’s fourth annual Home is the Key Campaign focuses on how communities are able to survive and thrive during and after the pandemic. Beginning in April, three corporate partners—At Home, the home décor store, State Farm and U.S. Bank—are partnering with Habitat for Humanity to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, not just in this moment, but also when it comes to the long-term repercussions on already vulnerable communities. COVID-19 has demonstrated not only is housing a social issue, but it is also a matter of public health.
Jonathan Reckford, CEO, says that ‘At Habitat for Humanity, we know that having a safe and decent place to call home can make all the difference in times of crisis. As many of us shelter in our homes during this pandemic, our hearts are with those who don’t have a decent or safe place to live.’
‘Through Home is the Key, we’re reminded how critical home is to the safety and security of our families. We thank our partners who are helping us to make sure that when the time is right, Habitat for Humanity will stand ready to once again accelerate our efforts with renewed energy and commitment.”
There are lots of ways to support Habitat for Humanity through donations of both money and stock, volunteering and getting involved on social media.
You can join the campaign by sharing their support using #HomeIsTheKey on social media.
By Ellen Jones
