Habitat for Humanity

Hello! We are Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1976. Our story began with our founders, a couple named Millard and Linda Fuller. They were guided by a simple but very powerful idea: that every single person in the world deserves a safe and decent place to call home. Our main purpose is to work alongside families, forming a partnership to help them build or improve their own homes. We believe that by working together, we can help families build a better future for themselves.

Our work is made possible by many people, especially our volunteers. These are individuals who give their time and energy to help build homes. Some of our volunteers are very well-known, like the former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, who have supported our work for many years. But the most important builders are the families who will one day live in the houses. We have a special name for their contribution: 'sweat equity.' This means that the families work right alongside the volunteers, helping to construct their own homes.

This idea of partnership is at the heart of everything we do. Once a house is finished, it isn't simply given away. Instead, the family buys it from us using an affordable loan. This approach helps families build more than just a house; it helps them build strength, stability, and self-reliance. A safe home provides a strong foundation for a family to grow and succeed.

From our beginnings in the United States, this idea has spread all around the globe. Today, we work in over 70 countries, and our model of partnership has helped millions of people find safe and decent shelter. Our mission continues every day, as we work with communities worldwide to make sure more families have a place to live where they can feel secure and build a hopeful future.