Urban areas currently are home to almost half of the world’s population.

Approximately one billion urban dwellers – or one out of every three – are living in slums or otherwise desperate conditions, according to the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements Web site.

World Habitat Day, annually on the first Monday of October, aims to spread awareness on urban poverty issues, in hopes of eventually providing sustainable living conditions for all.

“It’s a huge problem, but every little bit that you help or donate, someone’s life is affected,” said Seychelle Vos, a junior from Clemson, S.C., and vice president of the advocacy and education chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

“If we don’t do anything, then there will be no change.”

The University’s Habitat for Humanity chapter will promote the event today at Tate Plaza and the Arch.

“It’s a way to make students are aware of the problems of poverty and affordable housing around the world,” Vos said.

The theme of this year’s observance, as chosen by the U.N. is, “A safe city is a just city.”

It was chosen on behalf of the threats facing urban areas today, including increased crime and violence, forced evictions, unreliable tenure and natural disasters.

“Let us resolve to make cities around the world safer, greener, more inclusive and more secure places for everyone,” said U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last Monday on behalf of the event.

The University’s chapter will ask students to help write letters.

They will be sent to Georgia Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, addressing the need for affordable housing for low-income citizens.