In the context of corporate responsibility, housing programs often refer to those which provide for those people whose homes have been destroyed by disaster. In the wake of a crisis, housing is often the most visceral and personal loss incurred by whole populations, and restoring residences is often the first priority, before any other recovery work can begin. But the category of housing includes both disaster-oriented issues and others:
- Restoration of housing damaged by a natural disaster
- Reconstruction of new housing post-disaster
- Provision of affordable housing
- Financing and other tools to enable home ownership
Why does business engage this issue?
It allows business to build goodwill in a key area. Housing is not just a basic necessity; it also represents a significant attachment for many individuals and families, and is often the central part of a community. Whether after a natural disaster or during an economic crisis, companies who help provide or enable housing are doing a huge service to the community they choose to serve.