What is Habitat for Humanity?

Habitat for Humanity is a people-to-people partnership drawing families and communities together with volunteers and resources to build decent affordable housing for the people in need. Habitat is committed to the development and uplifting of families and communities, not only to the construction of houses. Habitat for Humanity builds, renovates, and repairs simple, decent and affordable housing with people who are living in inadequate housing and are unable to secure adequate housing by conventional means

 

Mission Statement: 

Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with God's people in need by building and renovating houses so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which people can live and grow into what God intended.

 

How It Works:

Habitat for Humanity selects homeowner families according to criteria that does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, or ethnic background. All homeowners contribute "sweat equity;" they work as partners with the affiliate and other volunteers to accomplish Habitat's mission both locally and worldwide.

 

Habitat for Humanity sells houses to selected families with no profit or interest added. House payments will be used for construction or renovation of additional affordable housing.

 

Habitat for Humanity is a global partnership. In recognition of and commitment to that global partnership each affiliate is expected to contribute at least 10% of its cash contributions to Habitat's international work. Funds specifically designated, by a donor, for local work only may be excluded from the title.

 

Habitat for Humanity does not and will not accept government funds for the construction of houses. Habitat for Humanity welcomes partnership with government which include accepting funds to help set the stage for the construction of houses, provided it does not limit our ability to proclaim our Christian witness, and further provided that affiliates do not become dependent on or controlled by government funds thus obtained. Setting the stage is interpreted to include land, houses for rehabilitation, infrastructure or streets, utilities and administrative expense. Funding from third parties who accept government funds with sole discretion over their use shall not be considered as government funds for Habitat purposes.