How does a Habitat for Humanity affiliate get started?
Habitat affiliates start when concerned citizens of diverse backgrounds come together to address the problem of poverty housing in their community. These volunteers research the community's affordable housing needs and resources, and evaluate the potential success of Habitat's self-help model in their community. The group then applies to HFHI to become an official Habitat affiliate.
Where does Habitat for Humanity's money come from? Who are the donors?
Habitat for Humanity International receives funding from local and international donors including individuals, corporations, churches and foundations. Individuals give the highest percentage of funding to Habitat for Humanity International. These donations are combined with mortgage payments from current Habitat for Humanity homeowner families to create the ‘Fund for Humanity'. This revolving fund allows the local affiliate to keep building more and more houses.
Affordable for whom?
Affordability should be determined by per capita income of a family. Habitat partner families should have a family per capita income of less than 75% of the community average per capita income.
Do HFH homeowners have to be Christian?
We work to make adequate housing available to all people regardless of race, faith, gender or age. We also welcome people of all faiths as homeowners, donors and volunteers.
Is Habitat for Humanity a government organization?
Habitat for Humanity is not affiliated with any government, political party or other national entity. HFH does not accept government funds for the construction or renovation of homes. However, we encourage governments to do what they can to help alleviate the suffering of all those who have no decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity welcomes partnerships with governments to help "set the stage" for the construction of houses. Stage-setting funding and gifts might include land, houses for renovation, infrastructure for streets, utilities and administrative expenses.
Who builds Habitat for Humanity homes?
Homeowner families, board members, neighbours, friends, local and international volunteers all work together to build Habitat for Humanity homes under the supervision of a construction manager. HFH house designs must be "volunteer friendly" allowing for non-skilled workers to assist with construction. Skilled paid labour help with some of the more technical finishing work such as installing the plumbing and electrical wiring.
