What Is the Purpose of Habitat for Humanity?

According to Habitat for Humanity International's website, it is a non-profit organization. The purpose of Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty and homelessness by providing affordable housing for low-income individuals.

Significance

Since 1976, over 300,000 homes have been built through Habitat for Humanity's efforts.

Partners

Habitat for Humanity partners with the family for whom they build a home. The family pays a mortgage based on the actual cost of the home. The family must contribute labor on their home in order to qualify.

Affiliates

In the United States, local Habitat for Humanity organizations are independent affiliates. The local organizations are separate entities that select their own projects, operate their own agency and raise their own money. Affiliates send approximately ten percent of the dollars they raise to Habitat for Humanity International to fund overseas projects. There are 1,500 affilates in the United States.

Events

Since 1984, Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn have held annual events building a large number of homes in one week. The effort has built homes throughout the United States, including homes in Detroit, India, the Gulf Coast, Georgia, Miami, and Washington D.C. The Carter event has also built homes in South Africa, India and the Philippines.

Volunteers

Volunteers work with professionals to build homes. Volunteers can work on a local project or can arrange to travel overseas to spend build homes for the needy.

Resources

• Habitat for Humanity International