Foundation Principles

1) Habitat for Humanity seeks to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus Christ to all people. While Habitat is a Christian organization, it invites and welcomes affiliate board members, volunteers and donors from other faiths actively committed to Habitat's mission, Method of Operation and Principles. The board will reflect the ethnic diversity of the area to be served.

2) Habitat for Humanity is a people to people partnership drawing families and communities in need together with needy people. Habitat is committed to the development and uplifting of families and communities, not only to the construction of houses.

3) Habitat for Humanity builds, renovates, and repairs simple, decent and affordable housing with people who are living in inadequate housing and who are unable to secure adequate housing by conventional means.

4) Habitat for Humanity selects homeowner families according to criteria that do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, or ethnic background. All homeowners contribute "sweat equity;" they work as partners with the affiliate and other volunteers to accomplish Habitat's mission, both locally and worldwide.

5) Habitat for Humanity sells houses to selected families with no profit or interest added. House payments are then used for the construction or renovation of additional affordable housing.

6) Habitat for Humanity is a global partnership. In recognition of and commitment to that global partnership, each affiliate is expected to contribute at least 10 percent of its cash contributions to Habitat's international work. Funds specifically designated by a donor for local work only may be excluded from the tithe.

7) Habitat for Humanity welcomes partnership with governments that includes accepted funds to help set the stage for the construction of houses, provided it does not limit our ability to proclaim our Christian witness, and further provided that affiliates do not become dependent on or controlled by government funds thus obtained. Setting the stage is interpreted to include land, houses for rehabilitation, infrastructure for streets, utilities and administrative expenses. Funding from third parties who accept government funds with sole discretion of their use shall not be considered as government funds for Habitat purposes.

 

This information is provided as reference only.