Habitat for Humanity

Over 1 billion people lack adequate housing. These people are found in every country of the world and, indeed, in almost every community. They live in huts made of sticks, mud, cardboard, or metal; in some cases, they don’t even have a roof over their heads. The problem is huge. Does this mean there is nothing that can be done?

According to the people at Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), there is plenty that can be done. HFHI was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, millionaires who decided their money could best be sent helping people. Since then, HFHI has helped fix and build homes for tens of thousands of people in the United States and over 30 other countries.

A look at who builds these homes reveals a lot about HFHI. Jimmy Carter, former U.S. president, and his wife, Rosalynn, spend a week each year helping to build houses. Evinor Mira, a 16-year old high school student, recently helped to build houses for his family and others in his community in Tepetitan, El Salvador.

HFHI believes that the homes should not be given as charity; instead, the organization follows a system known as partnership housing: The people who live in the homes, like Evinor, work together with volunteers on the construction and then gradually pay off the basic cost of the homes. These payments, together with contributions, enable HFHI to help other people.

By tackling the problem of inadequate housing, HFHI tackles other important social problems as well. People who have decent homes are better able to manage in life and to be productive members of society. And when homes are improved, neighborhoods and communities can be improved, too