Habitat for Humanity

What is Habitat for Humanity International?ondenominational
A Christian housing organization.

We welcome all people to join us as we build simple, decent, affordable,
houses in partnership with those in need of adequate shelter.

Since 1976, Habitat has built more than 125,000 houses in more than 87
countries, including some 45,000 houses across the United States.

How does it work?

Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses.

Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and the monthly  mortage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor -- sweat equity -- into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.

Habitat for Humanity's emphasis on communtiy extends to our organization, where we emphasize local commitment and local control. Habitat projects usually grow from the grass-roots concern of citizens within their community. Each project is responsible for family selection, site selection, construction work, fund-raising, family nurturing and more. Rather than membership fees, Habitat expects projects to voluntarily contribute for international work that depends on outside support. All Habitat projects adhere to a nondiscriminatory family selection policy.