Sometime in October 2011, the seven billionth inhabitant of our planet is expected to be born. He or she comes in to a world increasingly concerned about the future of the human habitat.

This year, World Habitat Day reflects on the impact of cities on climate change, and the basic right of all people to adequate shelter.

These issues are extremely relevant to us in Sri Lanka, for even as our cities grow and develop, research indicates that more than a third of our population lives in substandard housing. This means that there is a great deal to be done, and that every citizen with the means to do so, must play a role.

As a Brand Ambassador for Habitat for Humanity, I have been personally involved and committed resources to building houses, providing clothes and transitional shelters during times of natural disaster. My staff and I have worked on sites alongside homeowners to build or rebuild homes. Worldwide, Habitat for Humanity has to date helped 500,000 families build adequate shelter. In Sri Lanka, we have reached just over 13,500. Our philosophy is to give needy families a hand up rather than a hand out.

As we commemorate another World Habitat Day, I urge my fellow citizens to get involved by volunteering their time, their talents and whatever resources they can spare, to help our downtrodden and underserved communities, especially the children and women, to secure decent and adequate shelter.

In the words of the celebrated 19th century American actor, poet, playwright and author John Howard Payne,

Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home

Let us dedicate ourselves to help those in need to build houses that will become happy homes.

Otara Gunewardene
Habitat for Humanity Ambassador – Sri Lanka