About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity International was started in the 1970's with a mission to provide affordable housing to low-income families. Since then, Habitat has grown to include over 1,200 affiliates and ranks as one of the nation's largest builders.

To date, Habitat for Humanity has built around 50 thousand homes and say they've provided about 300,000 people with safe, decent, affordable shelter.

Affiliate Habitat chapters are "autonomous" groups that build houses in their communities. They raise money to acquire land and materials, recruit a workforce of volunteers, select homeowners and provide them with interest-free mortgages.

Homeowners are chosen from a pool of candidates that meet income, residency, and ownership criteria. They are required to invest 300 to 500 hours of "sweat equity" labor in Habitat projects before assuming complete ownership.

Building materials are often donated by corporate sponsors and local suppliers. Good quality materials that aren't expensive to maintain/repair are prerequisites so building costs and subsequent house payments are affordable.

Habitat for Humanity International: 121 Habitat Street, Americus, GA 31709-3498, 800-HABITAT or 912-924-6935, www.habitat.org