Habitat for Humanity Cambodia, a housing intervention NGO, has launched the “Home Equals Project”, described as a groundbreaking initiative to provide affordable and resilient housing for low-income families in Cambodia’s rapidly growing urban areas.
The project aims to tackle the escalating housing crisis by improving access to safe, secure homes for those living in informal settlements, in their fiscal year for 2026-2028.
It is being implemented from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027, according to a September 11 press release.
With Cambodia’s urban population projected to surpass 18 million by 2030, the demand for housing is outpacing supply, leaving many families in overcrowded and unsafe conditions. The National Housing Policy (2017) estimates a need for 1.1 million new homes by 2030, not accounting for the existing shelter deficit, noted the release.
The project’s goal is to address this challenge through innovative housing solutions, policy advocacy and strategic partnerships with government bodies, private developers, and financial institutions.
“The launch of the Home Equals Project was made possible through a strong collaboration and engagement between Habitat for Humanity Cambodia with the General Department of Public-Private Partnerships (GD-PPP) under the Ministry of Economy and Finance, General Department of Housing (GDH) and the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, as well as other key partners,” said Phal Vandy, national director of Habitat for Humanity Cambodia.
“We aim to co-create solutions that address the urban housing challenge in Cambodia, with a focus on promoting affordable and resilient housing for low-income families and first-time homeowners,” he added.
According to the NGO, the provision of safe, affordable homes will transform lives by fostering stability, health and economic opportunity. The initiative will build 1,190 homes over the next three years, while impacting 946,224 individuals through resilient housing, policy improvements and housing finance solutions.
Since 2014, Habitat’s partnerships with microfinance institutions and banks have already disbursed over $1.089 billion in housing loans, benefiting 135,173 households, said the release.
“Access to decent housing is a cornerstone of dignity and opportunity. By addressing the urban housing crisis, we’re not just building homes; we’re building stronger communities and brighter futures for Cambodia’s most vulnerable families,” Vandy added.
