What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the United States and in more than 70 countries around the world. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat works toward our vision by building strength, stability and self-reliance in partnership with people and families in need of a decent and affordable home.
Learn more about Habitat for Humanity.
Truth: Houses are not given to anyone. Habitat for Humanity offers homeownership opportunities to families who are unable to obtain conventional house financing. Generally, this includes those whose income is 30-50% of the area’s median income.
In most cases, prospective Habitat homeowner families make at least a $700 down payment. Additionally, they contribute 250 to 500 hours of “sweat equity” on the construction of their home or another Habitat home. Because Habitat houses are built using donations of land, material, and labor, mortgage payments are kept affordable.
Truth: Housing studies show affordable housing has no adverse effect on neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat houses have proven to increase property values and local government tax income. Habitat firmly believes its approach to affordable housing improves neighborhoods and communities by strengthening community spirit and increasing tax base while building better citizens through the cooperative efforts involved in Habitat construction.
Truth: While some Habitat homeowners receive Transitional Assistance for Families with Dependent Children, it is part of the reliable income needed from allowable sources. Most work at low-wage jobs, while demonstrating a steady work history and the income necessary to pay the mortgage they will acquire. They buy the house from Habitat. Habitat works in good faith with people who often are at risk in society, knowing that owning a home is not the answer to every problem, but that it can be an important step – often the first step – toward helping people break out of the cycle of poverty.
Truth: Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical housing organization, and homeowners are chosen without regard to race, religion or ethnic group. All who desire to be a part of this work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background. Habitat also welcomes volunteers from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace Habitat’s goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world.
Interested in learning more about Habitat’s homeowner demographics? Check out our 2020 demographics survey!
Truth: Local Habitat affiliates are independent, nonprofit organizations that operate within a specific service area within the framework of the Habitat Affiliate Covenant.
Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity is just one of many Massachusetts affiliates. You can use this search tool to find other Habitat affiliates in your area!
Truth: Habitat for Humanity is not an arm of the government, nor an arm of any particular church denomination. Habitat is an independent, nonprofit organization that accepts some government funds and other resources to help provide houses for families with low income.
Truth: Habitat was started in 1976 in Americus, GA, by the late Millard Fuller and his wife Linda. President Carter and his wife Rosalynn (whose home is eight miles from Americus, in Plains, GA), have been longtime Habitat supporters and volunteers who help bring national attention to the organization’s house-building work. Each year, they lead the Jimmy Carter Work Project to help build houses and raise awareness of the need for affordable housing.
