About us

What is Habitat for Humanity?

Habitat for Humanity is an international organization founded by Millard Fuller and his wife, Linda, in 1976. The reason for starting the non-profit organization was to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness worldwide as well as to educate people about decent, affordable housing. Today, Habitat has provided over 1.5 million people safe, decent, and affordable housing. (www.habitat.org)

To make a Habitat home, volunteer labor as well as monetary and material donations are needed. Volunteers and future Habitat homeowners work side by side, since Habitat does not give away homes, but rather helps those people who slip through the cracks. "Habitat affiliates choose homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program, and their ability to repay the loan." (www.habitat.org) Homeowners are expected to complete a homeowner's education program in addition to 300-500 hours of sweat equity.

Habitat also has a financial part to the non-profit organization, so Habitat homes can be sold to homeowners at no profit and financed with affordable loans. Homeowners have to pay monthly mortgage rates based on their income, which are then used to build more Habitat homes.

For more information on Habitat for Humanity International, visit www.habitat.org

Information about the Twin Cities Habitat Affiliate and programs can be found at www.tchabitat.org