Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the founder of Habitat for Humanity?

Millard Fuller and his wife, Linda founded Habitat in 1976.

How does the process work?

Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses alongside homeowner partner families. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor into building their Habitat house and the houses of other Habitat families. The Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. Another affordability feature of a Habitat house is that they are built using volunteer labor. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build more Habitat houses.

What are Habitat affiliates?

Habitat affiliates are community-level Habitat for Humanity offices that are in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International.

Does Habitat work with the government?

We ask legislators and housing regulators to increase support for affordable home ownership and eliminate poverty housing. We monitor public policies related to housing, community and international development. We accept government funds as long as they have no conditions that would violate Habitat’s principles or limit its ability to proclaim its Christian identity.

Does Habitat give houses away?

No, each homeowner has to pay for their home. Their homes are made affordable through volunteer labor and a no- or low-interest loan.

How are partner families selected?

Families who are in need of decent shelter apply at a local Habitat affiliate and then the affiliate’s family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to pay a mortgage. Every affiliate follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection and neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families who receive Habitat houses.

How are donations distributed and used?

Donations to HFHI which are designated to a specific affiliate or building project are forwarded to that specific affiliate or project. Undesignated gifts are used where most needed and for administrative expenses.

Where do my Habitat Store donations go?

All donations stay in our local community and are sold through our Habitat Store to the general public. All funds raised by the Habitat Store are used to help build more homes.