Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the United States and in more than 70 countries around the world. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat works toward our vision by building strength, stability and self-reliance in partnership with people and families in need of a decent and affordable home.

People in your community and all over the world partner with Habitat to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.

Families in need of decent, affordable housing apply for homeownership with their local Habitat for Humanity.

Each local Habitat’s family selection committee selects homeowners based on three criteria:

• The applicant’s level of need.
• Their willingness to partner with Habitat.
• Their ability to repay a mortgage through an affordable payment plan.

Habitat’s homebuyers invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity, working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners, in addition to paying an affordable mortgage and receiving financial education.

Habitat for Humanity follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing Habitat’s homeowners.

Habitat for Humanity works in a number of different ways to create decent, affordable housing.

• In addition to new construction, Habitat also renovates existing homes in many communities, particularly in urban areas.
• Habitat for Humanity helps people in need, repair and improve their own homes and neighborhoods.
• Habitat’s Disaster Response works with local communities to address a variety of housing needs after natural disasters.
• Habitat’s advocacy work raises awareness and support for decent and affordable housing around the world.

There are many ways to volunteer. Visit our Volunteer section to learn how to:

• Volunteer locally
• Travel and build
• Volunteer long-term
• Volunteer as part of a group
• Volunteer as part of a special event

Habitat depends on financial donations to fund our work. These donations help families build a place they can call home. Visit our Support page to learn more.

We also have local home improvement stores called Habitat ReStores, which sell reusable and surplus building materials, furniture, and appliances to the public. 

The money made from these sales is used to help families build a better future. To donate materials, contact our local Habitat ReStore.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials, and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Habitat for Humanity ReStores are owned and operated by local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, and proceeds are used to build strength, stability, and self-reliance locally and around the world.

Yes, we are a global nonprofit Christian housing organization. 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.