A Habit For Change
Helping
others is always a great way to give back to your community. So in the spirit
of the holidays, try thinking of others who can use a little help to make a
lot of change. Habitat for Humanity has
been making that change every year.
Since it's inception, Habitat for Humanity has helped to build more than 80,000 houses around the world providing safe, affordable shelter to over 400,000 people. The houses are built with donated materials by volunteers then is sold to needy families with no profit. Each home is financed with affordable, no-interest loans that can extend out over 30 years. According to the Habitat for Humanity website, "...The mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses."
So what is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity is
not a government agency and they accept no government funds for the construction
of their houses. They are a worldwide, nonprofit organization. Their sole mission
is to eradicate "poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to
make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action."
Habitat is not a giveaway program though. In order to get a Habitat home, the future homeowner (partner) must agree to pay a down payment and make monthly mortgage payments. In addition, they must invest hundreds of hours of their own time into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.
The
cost of a Habitat home varies throughout the world. The prices range from $700
in some poorer countries to a United States average of $42,500.
Families in the program are chosen based on, "...Their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the no-interest loan." There is no discrimination based on religion or race.
So how can I help?
If you would like to make a donation to Habitat for Humanity, you can contact
them via their website or at:
Habitat for
Humanity International
121 Habitat Street
Americus, GA 31709-3498
(912) 924-6935
All donations that are given to Habitat for Humanity are used as designated by the donor. If you would like to become an affiliate for Habitat for Humanity, you can contact them through their headquarters above or you can call (800) HABITAT.
A little bit of your time could go a long way in achieving a life long goal for many families. If there is a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in your area, then take the time to contact them and find out how you can help to change someone's life, for the better.
Happy Holidays!
©Graphics copyright Habitat for Humanity.
For further information:
- Habitat For Humanity
http://www.habitat.org/
