How does it work?
• Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses alongside our homeowner partner families.
• In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.
• Habitat houses are sold to partner fam
ilies at no profit and financed with affordable loans.
• The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses. How are partner families selected?
• Families in need of decent shelter apply to local Habitat affiliates.
• The affiliate’s family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the loan.
• Every affiliate follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection.
• Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families who receive Habitat houses. What are Habitat affiliates?
• Community-level Habitat for Humanity offices that act in partnership with and on behalf of Habitat for Humanity International.
• Each affiliate coordinates all aspects of Habitat home building in its local area. Where does Habitat for Humanity operate?
• Worldwide.
• Our operational headquarters are located in Americus, Georgia and our administrative headquarters are in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. How are donations distributed and used?
• As designated by the donor.
• Gifts designated to a specific affiliate or building project are forwarded to that affiliate or project.
• Undesignated gifts are used where most needed and for administrative expenses.
• Habitat’s most recent audited financial statement is available online. Who controls and manages Habitat for Humanity International?
• An ecumenical, international board of directors.
• Board members are dedicated volunteers who are deeply concerned about the problems of poverty housing around the world.
• The Habitat headquarters are operated by an administrative staff, professional and support employees, and volunteers. How does Habitat work with the government?
• We ask legislators and housing regulators to increase support for affordable homeownership and eliminate poverty housing.
• We monitor public policies related to housing, community and international development.
• We advocate policy choices that increase access to decent, affordable housing for people around the world.
• We accept government funds as long as they have no conditions that would violate Habitat’s principles or limit its ability to proclaim its Christian identity. How can I become a volunteer?
• Find your local Habitat for Humanity and their volunteer opportunities.
• Explore our Get Involved section.
