“Everything Starts at Home” - How Xella contributes to sustainable housing in Romania

For the third year in a row, Xella is proud to support Habitat for Humanity, an international non-profit organization, that focuses on housing, this time with a new geographical focus: Romania. After contributing to the renovation of the Opportunity Center in Valaska, Slovakia, we are now supporting Habitat and SOS Children’s Villages Romania to help transform their “House No. 5” into an energy-efficient educational center for children and young people. We spoke with Norma Habbel, Corporate Partnerships Coordinator, about the power of targeted partnerships, the housing crisis in Romania and why “Everything Starts at Home”.

10 July, 2025

Norma, can you briefly tell us about your role at Habitat for Humanity and your connection to the “Everything Starts at Home” project?

I work at Habitat for Humanity Germany and its initiative “HoffnungsBAUer”, where I manage strategic partnerships and social impact projects in several countries. “Everything Starts at Home” is one of our most meaningful initiatives, especially because it combines so many elements: renovation, sustainability, education, and long-term social value.

You’ve dedicated your work to helping people access safe and affordable housing. Was there a moment in your life that shaped this commitment?

Decent housing is a basic human right and yet, for billions, it’s still a daily struggle. A safe home isn’t just a roof over your head. It’s where stability, dignity, and opportunity begin. That’s why projects like this matter so much.
For me, this line of work became personal during travels to South America in the early 2000s. I visited communities where people lived in conditions I could hardly imagine: overcrowded, unsafe, without basic sanitation. You can read about people in need, you can talk about it, but until you stand in someone else’s reality, you don’t truly grasp the urgency. That experience left a deep impression on me. Since then, I’ve been committed to being part of the solution.

What’s the core idea behind “Everything Starts at Home” and how did the collaboration from Habitat for Humanity with SOS Children’s Villages Romania begin?

The idea is simple but powerful: decent housing is the starting point for any child’s well-being. SOS Children’s Villages Romania supports children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. Since 2019, we’ve worked together to improve the children’s living conditions, from energy efficiency (with Habitat’s support this is the first social community in Romania to produce its own green electricity) to safety and comfort. We share common values: respect, dignity, and sustainable impact without imposing anything on the local community.

What exactly is being renovated and how will the building be used?

House No. 5 is part of the SOS social housing in Bucharest. Habitat for Humanity is rehabilitating the entire building: façade insulation, new windows and doors, roof repairs, a thermal insulation system, the full package to make it energy-efficient and comfortable. Once completed, it will become a multifunctional educational center for children and young people aged up to 18 who live on site. A place to learn, connect, and feel at home.

What role does Xella play in this project, and what does the support mean to your team?

Xella’s contribution helps make this renovation possible. Every targeted contribution counts, and we truly mean that. We appreciate that Xella shares our values, especially when it comes to sustainability and social responsibility.

Let’s talk about the bigger picture: one in ten Romanian households is facing serious housing problems. What needs to change?

We need a systemic approach. The Sustainable Development Goals offer a valuable framework, but reality on the ground remains deeply challenging. In Romania, 1 in 10 people are affected by serious housing issues, and over 40% live in overcrowded households. Even more alarming: 21% of the population still lacks access to an indoor flushing toilet, and 34% are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. [Eurostat 2024]
At Habitat, we’re working to be part of the solution by developing models that are both socially impactful and economically viable. Our projects focus not only on building or renovating homes, but also on improving energy efficiency and creating long-term cost savings.
Beyond that, our innovation center is exploring ways to transform waste into affordable building materials. Because the housing crisis is simply too big to solve with traditional methods alone, we need new ideas, scalable models, and strong partnerships to truly move the needle.

Looking ahead: when is the renovation project expected to be completed, and what’s planned for the handover?

We aim to finalize House No. 5 soon – the renovation works are going smoothly, also including volunteers. After completion there will be an official handover with a small ceremony. We’ll invite volunteers, supporters like Xella, and of course the children and families who will use the space. It’s always a special moment, seeing the results of months of teamwork come to life.