About World Habitat

World Habitat was set up in the UK in 1976 by Peter Elderfield, a leading figure in social housing and winner of the UN Habitat Scroll of Honour in 1987.

Just after the First World War, Peter, along with a small group of homeless ex-servicemen in Coalville, UK, built homes for those in need with a fund of just £39. This pioneering act grew into the Building and Social Housing Foundation—now World Habitat.

Over the past five decades, World Habitat has become a global hub for housing innovation. Through the World Habitat Awards, launched in 1985, we have been involved in the international transfer of solutions like Housing First and community land trusts, giving more people access to decent, affordable and sustainable places to live.

Our work spans the globe – from the UK to Brazil, from Bangladesh to Bhutan and beyond. Powered by a multinational team and a global network, World Habitat helps great ideas to grow and inspire others.