There are more empty homes in the world than homeless people.

There are more empty homes in the world than homeless people.

In advanced economies alone, roughly 10 percent of housing sits vacant. That equals about 42 million empty homes out of 426 million, according to the OECD. Meanwhile, homelessness affects hundreds of millions globally.

In the United States, estimates show anywhere from 28 to over 100 vacant homes for every single homeless person. China has millions of empty apartments. Large countries like Nigeria still face millions without stable shelter.

The problem is not a lack of buildings. It is access. Affordability. Distribution. Policy. Housing exists, but for many, it is completely out of reach.

This is one of the clearest examples of how resources can exist in abundance while still failing the people who need them most.