More than 19.2 million people in Europe, 4.2% of the total population, were experiencing severe housing deprivation in 2020. Unfit housing has a dramatic affect on the health and wellbeing of households, from physical affects such as respiratory infections and asthma, or the danger of the physical collapse of buildings, and mental toll resulting in stress, anxiety, and depression. Renovations to improve the living conditions of households are necessary.
This need is reinforced by the introduction of new laws and policy within the EU, such as the EBPD, which aim to move households away from carbon-heavy energy sources, and reduce consumption through greater insulation and energy conservation measures. However, housing deprivation often affects those living below the poverty line – 14.8% of the European population, 23.1% of whom were below the poverty line, were living in housing with leaks, damp, or mould in 2020.
The question remains: when the poorest and most vulnerable households are occupying the unfit housing stock, how can they afford these expensive, and often unapproachable, renovations?
Thousands of vulnerable families in Bulgarian villages and towns live in homes that are in poor condition and urgent need of repair. The health, and sometimes lives, of children and adults may be at risk due to the unhygienic and dangerous living conditions. Habitat Bulgaria (HFH BG) establishes partnerships with local non-governmental organisations actively working with vulnerable groups and communities at risk of poverty. They provide revolving home improvement funds to local partners, who then disburse small amounts as interest- free loans to families that meet the program criteria.
Case study two: Habitat for Humanity, Bulgaria [PDF]
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