Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. 

Habitat has built more than 175,000 houses around the world, providing more than 750,000 people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter. HFHI was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller along with his wife Linda.

How does it work?
Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses.

Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and the monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor -- sweat equity -- into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.

How does a Habitat for Humanity affiliate get started?
If you are interested in eliminating poverty housing in your community, please contact HFHI headquarters for information on establishing a Habitat affiliate. Persons calling from inside the United States can call (800)HABITAT -- (800)422-4828. Those calling from outside the United States may contact HFHI headquarters at 01-(229) 924-6935.

Tell me more about the affiliation between Habitat for Humanity and the AHMA?
AHMA and Habitat for Humanity International have formed a partnership that will help low income families become homeowners. This partnership benefits the homeowner and makes good business sense for your organization. Listed below are some of the opportunities:

• Your company could donate obsolete inventory, overstocked items or “buybacks” to Habitat International or your local Habitat affiliate, for use on the jobsite.
• Your overstocked, obsolete, and buyback items could also be donated for resale to the Habitat Restore Program, for resale through HFHI “thrift stores”.
• It is possible to partner with other manufacturers and build a complete home for a family in need.
• Special promotions and marketing efforts could be developed that would promote Habitat, AHMA and your company.

The tax benefits are significant and generally more favorable than selling to those companies that specialize in “buyouts”. We welcome additional ideas you may have to promote this effort. This is a great opportunity for those of us who serve the residential home building market, to give back to our communities and nation. We look forward to your questions and ideas. Please e-mail us at MembershipDept@ahma.org or telephone us at 847-605-1025 for more information.

How can I get more information?
For additional information, see the other sections of the Habitat For Humanity Web site, see the contact information page, e-mail us at MembershipDept@ahma.org or write/phone the Habitat for Humanity international headquarters:

Habitat for Humanity International
121 Habitat Street
Americus, GA 31709-3498
U.S.A.
(229) 924-6935
publicinfo@habitat.org