Habitat for Humanity

You've probably heard of Habitat for Humanity, but here are some things you might not have known:

Habitat was started in the 1970s by a man and his wife from the state of Georgia who wanted to see that community members had decent housing. They were able to get some houses built for the cost of materials and workers only, without profit. They then traveled to Africa to build houses for people in need there. They returned to the U.S. in 1976 and began what was originally called The Fund for Humanity.

Houses built through Habitat exist in 70 countries plus the U.S. Over 22 million people now own houses who probably would not have otherwise. Did you know...

• Clients put in 300 or more hours of labor on their own houses
• Clients purchase their houses and make payments like most people do
• Because they have contributed in the building of their homes, the cost is less

• Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, have helped build lots of houses
• When a person's home costs less, it makes other things possible.... like college
• Habitat homeowners get education on financial literacy so they understand how to use their money wisely.
• Because the homes are built with volunteers, it may take up to 6 months to complete one home.
• Working on their own houses gives people a sense of accomplishment and pride
• Habitat is an international program
• Could you use some better construction skills, or do you have solid construction skills? Volunteer with Habitat! 
• You can volunteer with Habitat as an individual or with a group
• Volunteers can commit to several lengths of commitment, long-term or short term.
• Work with Habitat also includes beautifying neighborhoods by cleaning up litter and weeds,  and planting/landscaping
• Habitat also rehabs older homes, updating and fixing them for new owners
• Veterans sometimes do a Habitat home, for themselves or for others
• Through volunteering, you can learn a new job skill, get better at a skill (with one on one mentoring as you watch professionals do it), meet other people, and get to know a neighborhood
• Young people can also help build houses
• Habitat is there many times after a natural disaster, to help people, including temporary livable shelter and restoring basic needs as soon as possible. They also offer technical advice to ensure the new homes be built well, as well as preparedness to avoid lost homes in the future.
• Habitat's Women Build program specifically helps women become independent homeowners.

If you are remodeling your home, you can donate building supplies you don't want or need to the Habitate ReStore. Recycling these things is great for the environment, and Habitat uses the funds to buy new building materials for their houses. Or, if you have need for supplies, shop the ReStore. You can find cupboards, doors, trim, flooring, hardware like door knobs or faucets, sinks and vanities, light fixtures, and more, for a big discount. Here are locations in Minnesota: https://www.habitat.org/local/restore?zip=55432

Learn more about what Habitat for Humanity is doing in your community here: https://www.habitat.org/together-we-build?mrkgcl=1005&mrkgadid=3055123744&source_code=DNWW14071000045&creative=79783343831378&device=c&matchtype=e&msclkid=6e46bcc06b5d1901dea6e1e48f12b1ff