What is Habitat?

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization.  We welcome all people to join us as we build simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with those who lack adequate shelter.

Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity International has built more than 175,000 houses, providing shelter for nearly 900,000 people worldwide. Now at work in 100 countries, we are building a house every 26 minutes. By 2005, Habitat houses will be sheltering 1 million people.

Local Habitat affiliates coordinate house building and select partner families.

Habitat houses are purchased by the homeowner families. Three factors make the houses affordable to low-income people worldwide:

                                    - Houses are sold at no profit, with no interest
                                      charged on the mortgage

                                    - Homeowners and volunteers build the houses
                                      under trained supervision

                                    - Individuals, corporations, faith groups and others
                                      provide financial support

Homeowner families are chosen according to their need; their ability to repay the no-profit, no-interest mortgage; and their willingness to work in partnership with Habitat. Habitat for Humanity does not discriminate according to race, religion or ethnic group.

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