FAQS

What is Habitat for Humanity International?

• Habitat is a nonprofit, Christian housing ministry.
• We believe that every person should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live.
• We build, renovate and repair houses all over the world using volunteer labor and donations.
• We welcome all people to work with us in partnership.
• We advocate to increase access to decent, affordable housing around the world.
• Learn more about Habitat.

Does Habitat give houses away?

• No, Habitat for Humanity is not a giveaway program.
• Habitat’s partner families buy the houses that Habitat builds and renovates.
  • Habitat makes no profit on the sale.
  • In the United States, Habitat homeowners purchase their houses through affordable monthly mortgage payments.
  • In other countries, Habitat also works with partner organizations to serve even more families through innovative financing methods.
• Habitat’s homeowners also invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity, working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners.

Does Habitat only focus on building new houses?

• No, Habitat works in a number of different ways to create decent, affordable housing.
• In addition to new construction, Habitat also renovates existing buildings in many communities, particularly in urban areas.
• Habitat’s A Brush with Kindness and Neighborhood Revitalization help people repair and improve their own homes and neighborhoods.
• Our Disaster Response program also works with local communities to address a variety of housing needs after natural disasters.
• Habitat’s partnerships and advocacy work help raise the awareness and support needed to address housing needs around the world.

How are Habitat’s homeowner families chosen?

• Families in need of decent, affordable shelter apply to their local Habitat organization, called an affiliate.
• Each affiliate’s family selection committee chooses Habitat homeowners for their local area, based on three criteria:
  • The family’s level of need.
  • Their willingness to become partners in the program.
  • Their ability to repay the loan through an affordable payment plan.
• Every affiliate follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection.
• Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing Habitat’s homeowner families.
• Visit our page on becoming a Habitat homeowner to learn more.