Shelter from wind, rain and cold is a basic human need
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian
organization. We are dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and
homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a
matter of conscience and action. Our ministry was founded on the
conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent
place to live in dignity and safety. All are welcome Habitat has an open-door policy:
All who desire to be a part of this work are welcome, regardless of
religious preference or background. We have a policy of building with
people in need regardless of race or religion. We welcome volunteers
and supporters from all backgrounds.
We are driven by the desire to give tangible expression to the love
of God through the work of eliminating poverty housing. Our mission and
methods are predominantly derived from a few key theological concepts:
- Putting faith into action - Habitat's ministry
is based on the conviction that to follow the teachings of Jesus
Christ, we must love and care for one another. Our love must not be
words only— it must be true love, which shows itself in action. Habitat
provides an opportunity for people to put their faith and love into
action. We bring diverse groups of people together to make affordable
housing and better communities a reality for everyone.
- The economics of Jesus - When we act in response
to human need, giving what we have without seeking profit, we believe
God magnifies the effects of our efforts. We refer to this perspective
as "the economics of Jesus." Together, the donated labor of
construction volunteers, the support of partner organizations and the
homeowners' "sweat equity" make Habitat's house building possible. By
sharing resources with those in need, Habitat volunteers and supporters
have made decent, affordable housing a reality for more than 300,000
families worldwide.
- The theology of the hammer - Habitat is a
partnership founded on common ground— bridging theological differences
by putting love into action. Everyone can use the hammer as an
instrument to manifest God's love. Habitat’s late founder, Millard Fuller,
called this concept "the theology of the hammer." "We may disagree on
all sorts of other things,” said Fuller, “but we can agree on the idea
of building homes with God's people in need, and in doing so using
biblical economics: no profit and no interest."
Habitat for Humanity welcomes all people to build with us in
partnership. "The Bible teaches that God is the God of the whole crowd,"
explained Fuller. "God's love leaves nobody out, and my love should
not either. This understanding drives 'the theology of the hammer'
around the world, steadily building more and more houses in more and
more countries."
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