About Habitat

Who We Are

Habitat for Humanity is an independent, charitable, faith-based housing program dedicated to the elimination of poverty housing by building homes in partnership with families in need. We build simple, decent, and affordable houses and provide interest-free mortgages to families who would otherwise not be able to purchase their own home. The Habitat program is about home ownership and providing a long-term solution designed to break the poverty cycle.

History

The Habitat for Humanity movement was founded in 1976 in Americus, Georgia. The program developed from the concept of "partnership housing" where those in need of adequate shelter work side by side with volunteers from all walks of life to build simple, decent houses.

In 1984 Habitat's most famous volunteer, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, along with his wife, Rosalyn, participated in their first Habitat build project. Their personal involvement in Habitat brought the organization increased visibility and sparked interest in Habitat's work throughout North America and around the world.

In 1985 the movement spread to Canada with the formation of the first Canadian affiliate in Winkler, Manitoba. From these simple beginnings the Habitat for Humanity movement in Canada has grown to 69 affiliates in 10 provinces and two territories and has been successful in placing more than 980 families into new homes.

Habitat for Humanity now spans over 100 countries and is responsible for placing over 200,000 families into new homes around the world.