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Youth Programs

World Habitat Day

Focusing the World on Secure Tenure for the World’s Poor

Habitat for Humanity will raise its voice to support World Habitat Day on Monday October 6, 2008, as part of our mission to make housing a matter of conscience and action.  The United Nations annually designates the first Monday in October as World Habitat Day, encouraging people across the globe to reflect on the basic need of shelter for all and our collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat. World Habitat Day is a special chance for us to join the rest of the world to both highlight the need and importance of housing; and to exchange effective ideas and solutions. This year's theme is “A Place to Be,” in order to emphasize the importance of feeling secure, safe and comfortable in one's own home.

World Habitat Day Advocacy Ideas

1. Register to Vote - In the United States , we all have the power to affect change for ourselves and for our communities. This power lies in our ability to vote for leaders that will work to help make a positive difference. Regardless of whether you are 18 or 100, your vote can make a real impact on the lives of your family, friends, and community.

2. Research Affordable Housing Issues - Knowing is half the battle. People need information in order to truly understand the impact that poverty and indecent housing have on individuals and their communities. Research info on low-income housing and create informational sheets to give to your classmates, friends and family to make them aware of the seriousness of these issues.  

3. Research “Green” and Alternative Housing Solutions - Research environmental friendly housing alternatives that can positively impact your entire community. Recycle, reuse and conserving resources. Discover how home owners and home builders use eco-friendly alternatives that help low-income families build homes that are more cost-effective.

4. “Pass It On”- Information is essential to solving any problem. Learn about poverty housing and its impact on your community and share that information with a friend. Tell that friend to try to “Pass It On” to at least one other person who can then do the same. Spreading information is spreading the power to everyone to make a real difference.  

5. “ A Place to Be” - A house is made with wood: A home is made with love. One of the best ways for us to advocate for greater awareness of housing issues is to reflect on the reasons why our home, or the idea of home, is so special to us. Talk to your family and write a short reflection, poem or story about what makes a house a “Place to Be.”-                  

6. Know Your Representatives - Knowing who represents your community in the local, state and federal government can be one of the most effective ways for you to advocate for greater awareness and change related to issues of affordable housing.  Find out who your representatives are; write to them; and find out what they have done to affect positive change regarding poverty issues and affordable housing in your area.

7. Check out the Habitat for Humanity Website - If you are looking for information or ways to become more involved with affordable housing issues in your community, check out the Habitat for Humanity website and click on the Advocate link. Not only will you be able to learn more about the issues yourself, but you will also be able to inform your friends and family about the desperate need for support and service in the mission to end indecent and unaffordable housing. 

8. Do It Yourself! - Create your own idea to advocate and call for action around affordable housing in the Greater Los Angeles area.

Please let us know how you participate in World Habitat Day.  If you have any questions contact our  Youth Programs Coordinator, at youthprograms@habitatla.org or 310-323-4663 ext 109.