Derash Shelter Project is HEINEKEN Ethiopia’s flagship social impact initiative born in 2019 from a simple belief: a safe, dignified home changes everything. The project focuses on sustainably improving the lives of families living in informal settlements by providing decent, dignified housing where hope can take root.

At HEINEKEN Ethiopia, we are built on human connection, care for people, and the joy of bringing others together. That spirit lives in the name Derash, an Amharic word that speaks to showing up when it matters most. Being there. Standing with communities in times of need.

Since its launch, Derash has delivered more than 179 new homes, creating safe shelter for over 895 residents across Addis Ababa, including Kereyu, Kechene, Kirkos, and Akaki Kaliti sub-cities. For many families, this meant moving from fragile, overcrowded one-room structures, often without proper sanitation, into homes with dignity, safety, and a future.

In 2025, Derash took an important step forward. For the first time, the initiative expanded beyond Addis Ababa, reaching Harar. And in Bedele, construction of 20 new homes is underway, with delivery planned around Ethiopian Christmas 2026, a moment of renewal, shared joy, and new beginnings.

All of HEINEKEN’s social impact projects are guided by the Brew a Better World 2030 strategy, reflecting our commitment to supporting a more inclusive, fair, and equitable world.