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World Habitat’s origins date back to 1946, just after the end of the Second World War. In Coalville, Leicestershire (UK), a small group of homeless ex-servicemen—armed with only thirty-nine pounds and ten shillings—founded the East Midlands Housing Association. Led by Peter Elderfield, their mission was simple yet profound: to build homes for people in urgent housing need. From these humble beginnings, the association grew into a major force in social and affordable housing, a legacy that continues today.
From Housing Association to Global Impact
In 1974, the UK government introduced public funding for Housing Associations to expand social housing. Seizing this opportunity, East Midlands Housing Association reorganised, and in 1976, a new entity was born: the Building and Social Housing Foundation (BSHF)—now known as World Habitat.
As a registered charity, BSHF focused on housing research, innovation, and policy influence. Peter Elderfield became its first Director, guiding the organisation until his passing in 2001. His wife, Pat Elderfield, played a pivotal role in the transition and evolution of the organisation. Her 45-year commitment included serving as Honorary Treasurer, Chair, and eventually Life President in 2022.
Celebrating Global Innovation: The World Habitat Awards
In 1985, BSHF launched the World Habitat Awards—an international competition to uncover and share the world’s most innovative, impactful housing solutions. These awards have brought global attention to groundbreaking models like Community Land Trusts and Housing First.
The Awards continue to promote housing practices that transform lives, especially for people living in poverty and vulnerable communities.
Global Partnerships & Recognition
World Habitat has built a global network of partners committed to better housing for all. We are proud to:
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Be a founding member of Housing Europe (since 1988)
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Hold Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (since 2006)
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Collaborate closely with UN-Habitat and other international organisations
Ending Street Homelessness in Europe
In 2015, World Habitat launched the European End Street Homelessness Campaign. The campaign responded to a sharp rise in homelessness following the 2008 financial crisis—an issue that intensified across Europe, except in Finland.
Inspired by World Habitat Award-winning initiatives in the U.S. and Finland, the campaign works with cities to prove that ending street homelessness is achievable. Through advocacy, data collection, and practical support, we’re helping change policy and shift mindsets across the continent.
Empowering Communities with Community Led Housing
In 2018, we launched our Community Led Housing Programme to support grassroots housing movements in areas with little prior community-led development. Since then, we’ve supported new initiatives in:
This work continues our commitment to empowering communities to create housing solutions that are affordable, sustainable, and built around people’s real needs.
Responding to a Changing World
From climate change and urbanisation to global inequality and technological disruption, our world is evolving rapidly. At World Habitat, we face these challenges head-on—focusing on:
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Adequate, safe, secure and affordable housing
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Sustainable development
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Equity for low-income and vulnerable communities
Guided by the pioneering spirit of Peter Elderfield and the visionary leadership of Pat Elderfield, we remain committed to building a world where everyone has a place to call home.
