 The Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance, a sister agency, now offers small loans to help poor people finance housing improvements.The World Habitat Awards were established in 1985 by the Building and Social Housing Foundation (BSHF) as part of its contribution to the United Nations International Year of Shelter for the Homeless.Two awards of £10,000 are given annually at the United Nations global celebration of World Habitat Day to projects from the global north as well as the south that provide practical and innovative solutions to current housing needs and problems.