Homeless World Cup invite you to #PlayForHome this World Homeless Day
| Chile play Mexico at the Homeless World Cup in Cardiff in 2019. Image: Daniel Lipinski
By 2030, UN-Habitat estimates that 3 billion people, about 40 per cent of the world’s population, will need access to adequate housing. To meet the demands, 96,000 affordable houses need to be built every day.
In addition to this, they estimate that 100 million people worldwide are homeless and one in four live in harmful conditions affecting their health, safety, and prosperity.
Ahead of World Homeless Day on October 10th, the Homeless World Cup launches new campaign #PlayForHome.
The campaign will highlight the positive impact of sport on social inclusion and asks you to consider, what does ‘home’ mean to you?
Homeless World Cup co-founder and Chairman, Mel Young said: “A home is a lot more than having a roof over your head. There is a big difference between homelessness and houselessness. As you go to sleep you might look at the ceiling of a hostel room dormitory, a refugee camp tent or even your friend’s living room ceiling. You might be safe, but you’re not at home. Being at home gives you a sense of safety, security and knowing that it isn’t all temporary. You can relax.
It’s incredible the amount of people who find a sense of belonging on the football pitch. They feel part of something solid. Something reliable. We want everyone to have that sense of security and stability where they live, and to be able to call it their home.”
Best-selling crime writer and Homeless World Cup board member Val McDermid said: “Home is as much about people as bricks and mortar. It’s the place where I can close the door on the outside world and feel secure with my family; it’s the base from which I can engage with the rest of the world. It’s where my imagination runs wild and frees my words from my head on to the page.”
Our grassroots partners in 70+ countries from across the globe will join the discussion.
Join in the conversation by tagging the Homeless World Cup and use the hashtag #PlayForHome.
Whoever we are, or wherever we are, we should always be able to feel at home.
Want to know more? Contact Homeless World Cup Digital and Communications Officer Rebecca Corbett