Somewhere to call home

What is Habitat for Humanity?

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, non-denominational Christian housing charity. Our goal is to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. We invite people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.

We have built almost 200,000 houses around the world
Habitat for Humanity houses have improved over 3,000 communities
Nearly a million people now have safe, decent, affordable shelter.
Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller in Georgia, USA.

How does Habitat for Humanity work?

Through volunteer labour and donations of money and materials, we build and rehabilitate simple, decent houses with the help of homeowner (partner) families. Habitat for Humanity houses are sold to partner families for no profit - financed with affordable loans. The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments go into the 'Fund for Humanity' and are used to build still more Habitat for Humanity houses.

Does Habitat for Humanity give houses away?

No. A Habitat for Humanity home is a hand up - not a handout. We build houses in partnership with families in need. In addition to the monthly repayments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labour - 'sweat equity' - into building their Habitat for Humanity house and the houses of others.

What does a Habitat for Humanity house cost?

Throughout the world, the cost of houses varies from as little as £950 in some developing countries to about £37,500 in Poland. In London, the average house costs £364,092. Habitat for Humanity houses are affordable for low-income families because there is no profit included in the sale price and no interest charged on the mortgage. Mortgage lengths vary from seven to 30 years. In Liverpool, the houses cost from £110,000 - £115,00. (see mortage model)

How are families selected for a Habitat for Humanity home?

Families in need of decent shelter apply to local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. The affiliate's selection committee chooses homeowners based on their need, their willingness to partner with HFH and their ability to make the interest free mortgage repayments.

Do you have to be a Christian to qualify for a Habitat for Humanity house?

While Habitat for Humanity is a faith-based organisation, every affiliate follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Race and religion (or gender or nationality) are not factors in selecting families to become Habitat for Humanity homeowners.