Mission

According to their mission statement, Habitat for Humanity envisions a world where dependable, affordable housing is not a question—it is provided to all.  In the statement, they detail their mission and its specific principles.  As a Christian organization, they wish to put God’s love into action.  They serve as the “hands and feet” of God’s love and grace, demonstrating the love and teachings of Jesus Christ by undertaking work to benefit others.  They choose to show God’s love for all by helping provide shelter for all those in need.

In addition, Habitat for Humanity works to advocate for affordable housing, per the prophet Micah’s call for justice, to love mercy and walk humbly with God; essentially, the right to safe shelter is a basic human right and, therefore, none should be deprived.  Habitat’s mission also places a focus on the general public, indicating that no one lives in dignity until all can live in dignity; in essence, they call for the help of others, to help bring dignity and security to those who don’t have such assurances.  Finally, they acknowledge that they pursue their goals to support sustainable and transformational development, both in the form of the physical dwellings and in those who will call the new house a home.  The organization seeks to transform lives, promote positivity and lasting social, economic and spiritual change within the community.

Pursuing Their Mission

To show how they specifically pursue these goals, the organization created a frequently asked questions page for their website (link #1) which explains some of their basic protocols and procedures.  On the issue of advocating for affordable housing, the organization works regularly with the government, asking legislators and housing regulators to increase support for affordable homes.  In addition to this, Habitat for Humanity monitors public policies, advocating for those that increase access to decent, affordable housing for those in need.  The organization does accept government funds to support the construction of their projects, but the finances must have no conditions that violate their principles and ability to proclaim their Christian identity.

This money, in addition to donations received from any individual, organization or group for any value, helps supply volunteers with products to complete homes for those in need.  Those unable to afford a home on their own apply to be considered as a recipient at their local branch of Habitat for Humanity.  Affiliates for that specific local-level branch then decide who they will partner with, based in the amount of need the family has, their willingness to become partners and ability to repay the loan.  When the house is completed, the home is sold to the family at no additional profit to Habitat for Humanity.  The family pays monthly mortgage payments, which help fund the construction of the next home.

Habitat & Environmental Sustainability

Habitat for Humanity aims to build simple and affordable housing for individuals and families around the world. A new venture and goal of Habitats is to offer sustainable and energy-efficient housing. Utilizing new environmental methods and construction technologies, many of Habitat for Humanity’s building projects are now taking on the additional benefit of environmental sustainability.

Another benefit of sustainable building and energy efficiency is for those who live in the house. Many of the tips and practices benefit them additionally as they allow them to save costs with efficient insulation, and and air tight house.