Habitat International

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Shelter from rain, wind and sun is a basic human need.

Habitat for Humanity provides decent, affordable houses to families in need. Habitat homeowners gain self-respect as they work alongside volunteers to construct their homes.

  • Habitat is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry.
  • To accomplish these goals, Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.
  • Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller, along with his wife, Linda.

Click to learn more about Habitat International.

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Habitat affiliates are located Worldwide, in nearly 90 countries and in all 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico.  Click to learn about Vermont affiliates.


Each affiliate

  • is an independently run, nonprofit organization.
  • coordinates all aspects of Habitat home building in its local area—fund raising; building site selection; partner family selection and support; house construction; and mortgage servicing.
  • tithes 10% of all unrestricted contributions to support Habitat's work in developing countries, thinking and helping internationally, while acting locally.  In FY 2010, Habitat affiliates tithed approximately $14.7 million, and 100 percent of those dollars supported Habitat's work in the developing countries. This translates into 2,270 families overseas that have a better place to live today because of affiliate tithes, impacting poverty housing globally as U. S. affiliates work hard locally!

Habitat International – Goals for FY 2011 (Click to download full report.) It takes less than two minutes to download.
1.    Serving families—and the communities in which they live—through sustainable housing solutions.
          A. Expanding the spectrum of housing solutions.
          B. Revitalizing neighborhoods by responding to community needs with an expanded array of housing products, services and      partnerships,  enhancing the quality of life for all.
         C. Promoting sustainable building practices using methods and products that create energy-efficient homes, reducing partner family expenses and lessening environmental impact.

2.    Raising funds from individuals, major donors, corporations, government and other partners, as well as through Habitat ReStores.

3.    Mobilizing volunteers through a variety of local, national and international programs.

4.    Being good stewards of resources through quality assurance and financial sustainability.

Updated Housing Numbers

  • Since 1976, Habitat has built over 350,000 houses worldwide providing more than 1.75 million people in 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter.  Vermont affiliates have built 135 homes locally.  Affilates tithe 10% of all unrestricted donations to Habitat International and have sponsored 136 homes in other countries.
  • Habitat for Humanity achieves No. 8 on the ‘Builder 100’ list.  Due to the combined building efforts of U.S. affiliates, volunteers and donors, Habitat for Humanity recently achieved the rank of No. 8 on the 2009 Builder 100 list, marking the first time Habitat has been among the top 10 biggest builders in the United States.
  • Habitat videos - In Small Towns - This is a short video that tells the Habitat story. This video takes two minutes to download. It is well worth the time.
  • Haiti and Chiie - how to help - Habitat is addressing shelter problems for low-income families affected by the earthquakes in Chilie and Haiti. Habitat’s ability to respond effectively to this disaster will require support from donors, corporate partners and other community organizations. To lend support, please donate today. The Bennington Area Habitat for Humanity affiliate plans to send its 2010 tithe to Haiti. 
  • Cars for homes - You can help a family in our community build a house and the hope of a better life by donating a car, truck, boat, RV, motorcycle, construction equipment or other vehicles — running or not ! To donate, call Cars for Homes™ (877) 277-HFHI (4344) toll free or go online to www.carsforhomes.org.
  • Global Village - Looking for a vacation experience that lets you dip into a new culture while leaving a positive mark on the community you visit? Find out...
  • Frequently Asked Questions - Click here to see an excellent FAQ developed by Habitat International.