Habitat for Humanity Build Shacks in Belfast

Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland built temporary shacks across Belfast City Centre on Saturday 9th June, to launch the Build Solid Ground campaign.

Habitat volunteers visited well known sites such as Belfast City Hall, Queen’s University Lanyon Building, and St. Anne’s Cathedral, to build temporary shacks similar to those found in slums across the world.

Approximately 1.6 billion people live in slums and by 2030 this is expected to increase to 2 billion. The campaign aims to highlight land and housing problems in both developed and developing countries and inspire authorities, governments and the public to find solutions.

Jenny Williams, Habitat NI Chief Executive, said, "Access to land lies at the heart of ending poverty. Without land, there can be no housing and housing is the key to stability and opportunity."

She continued, "Secure tenure is invisible, yet you know when you don’t have it. Living without the right to the land you occupy means that, tomorrow, you could wake up homeless. This is a reality for millions of people around the world."

To support the launch Mathabo Makuta, National Director at Habitat for Humanity Lesotho, took part in a range of events in Northern Ireland, following her recent speaking engagements at European Development Days in Brussels on Wednesday (6 June) and at an international conference on sustainable cities in Bratislava (23 May). Habitat Lesotho is transforming the future for some of the most vulnerable people in Lesotho, including orphaned children and those with disabilities. 

 To support the Build Solid Ground campaign, sign the petition online here or telephone Habitat on 028 92 635 635.