Why Asia-Pacific?
The Asia-Pacific region is home to over 60% of the world’s population, and many of its communities are on the frontlines of climate change. Habitat’s work here is not only urgent, it is essential. By investing in climate-resilient housing, we are helping families stay safe, healthy and connected to their land and culture.
How We Work
At Habitat for Humanity, we believe that safe, decent housing is the foundation for resilience, dignity and opportunity. But we also know that housing alone is not enough. That is why our approach is:
- Community-led: We empower communities to identify risks, prioritise solutions and lead their own development. Local voices shape local solutions.
- Integrated: Our programs combine shelter with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), disaster risk reduction (DRR), livelihood improvement, and climate adaptation and resilience, recognising that these challenges are interconnected.
- Inclusive: We prioritise gender equality, disability inclusion and the leadership of marginalised groups. People are active participants and decision-makers, not passive beneficiaries.
- Sustainable: We build local capacity, strengthen governance and align with national development plans to ensure long-term impact and access to government support.
- Adaptive: Every country and community are different. Our model is designed to adapt to unique needs while maintaining strong principles.
This model is not just about building more and better homes. It is about building systems, skills and social cohesion that last, creating change that is truly transformative.
Our Work in Action in Cambodia – Safer Homes, Stronger Communities
Since 2016, Habitat for Humanity Cambodia has implemented the Participatory Approach to Safe Shelter Awareness (PASSA) methodology across rural and urban communities. The goal is to empower communities to reduce disaster risk, improve shelter safety and strengthen local leadership. This year, Habitat Cambodia worked with expert consultants to evaluate PASSA groups.
What has been achieved
- 94 community-led projects implemented, benefiting over 18,000 families and more than 87,000 people
- 73% of participants took action to improve their homes’ safety
- 54% reported significant increases in knowledge of disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation
- 80% of participants reported improved community collaboration
- 90% of respondents were satisfied with their PASSA group
- 94% of members confirmed project decisions reflected broader community needs
What changed
Communities addressed critical needs such as road and drainage improvements, solar lighting, water access and shelter upgrades. From building bridges and renovating homes to installing solar panels and restoring canals, these initiatives improved infrastructure while strengthening resilience, safety and wellbeing across both rural and urban areas.
Women and people with disabilities gained a greater voice in planning. Local leaders developed skills in budgeting, procurement and oversight. PASSA groups mobilised additional resources, turning a $5,000 grant into a $50,000 bridge by engaging local authorities, community members and other partners.
Always Improving: What’s Next
We are committed to learning and improving. Considering the findings of this evaluation alongside the Formative Evaluation of PACCR (revised PASSA) in Fiji, we are now preparing Phase 2 of this work. This next phase will:
- Implement and test adaptations to strengthen PASSA’s effectiveness in Cambodia
- Deepen integration of gender equality, disability and social inclusion, while supporting economic resilience and sustainability
- Develop tools and training to build inclusive leadership and decision-making
- Create stronger linkages with local governments
The goal is to apply these learnings across other countries in the Habitat network, helping us improve and better demonstrate the effectiveness of PASSA.
The PASSA approach shows what is possible when communities lead. It reminds us that resilience is not only about infrastructure, it is about inclusion, empowerment and dignity.
Together, we can build resilience, dignity and hope. Donate today at habitat.org.au/donate.