Photo Credit: NatalieMaynor @ Flickr (CC)
Well known throughout the world, you might be surprised to discover that Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization and ministry. They welcome all races, religions, and ethnicities to be a part of projects that build simple, decent, affordable houses with and for those who lack adequate shelter.
Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 and since then has built more than 200,000 houses, providing shelter for more than 1 million people, in nearly 100 countries around the world. Every 24 minutes a new Habitat house is completed somewhere in the world, and they continually strive to do more.
Affiliates of Habitat for Humanity work locally in communities around the world to select and support homeowners, organize volunteers and coordinate house-building. According to Habitat for Humanity International, homeowners are selected based on their need for housing, their ability to repay their mortgage, and their willingness to work in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
There is no discrimination on the basis of race, religion, or national origin. The houses are sold through a no-profit mortgage; individuals, corporations, faith groups and others provide vital financial support, and, finally, homeowners and volunteers build the houses themselves, under trained supervision. The result is a fully functional, entirely livable house to call home.
Ways You Can Get Involved
Donate
Your donation will help families around the world build decent shelters, and it means putting your money toward positive action and helping others. You can easily and simply give online. http://www.habitat.org/donation/
Volunteer
You can look up where Habitat for Humanity is working close to your community and help local families in your area. Visit http://www.habitat.org/cd/local/
Travel
You can cure your travel bug and help a family build a house by traveling to their location on a Global Village trip. Aid in making someone’s habitat happen. Take a look at http://www.habitat.org/gv/ for more information.
Get Others—and Yourself—Involved
Spread the word and bring friends and family into action, helping build communities and friendships, sharing Habitat opportunities at school or work and join together to make a difference in a family’s life. For even more ideas and ways to be involved with Habitat for Humanity go to http://www.habitat.org/getinv/
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