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Habitat for Humanity
2007-2008 Work Dates
October 27, 2007
December 15, 2007
January 26, 2008
February 9, 2008
March 29, 2007
What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety.
Habitat has built more than 200,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1,000,000 people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter. Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller along with his wife Linda.
Habitat has an open-door policy: All who desire to be a part of this work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background. Habitat for Humanity has always had a policy of building with people in need regardless of race or religion, and we welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds.
What are Habitat houses like?
Whether in the United States, Canada or in more than 80 other countries around the world, Habitat for Humanity houses are built according to the same guiding principles.
Habitat houses are:
-Simple. Habitat houses are modestly sized -- large enough for the homeowner family's needs, but small enough to keep construction and maintenance costs to a minimum.
-Decent. Habitat uses quality, locally available building materials. Trained staff supervise Habitat house construction and educate volunteers and partner families. House designs reflect the local climate and culture.
-Affordable. The labor of volunteers and partner families, efficient building methods, modest house sizes and a no-profit, no-interest loan make it affordable for low-income people around the world to purchase a Habitat for Humanity house.
What does a Habitat house cost?
Throughout the world, the cost of houses varies from as little as $800 in some developing countries to an average of $59,324 in the United States. ($80,000-$85,000 in Maine)
How are the partner families selected?
Habitat for Humanity offers a homeownership opportunity to families unable to obtain conventional house financing—generally, those whose income is 30 to 50 percent of the area's median income. In most cases, prospective Habitat homeowner families make a $500 down payment and contribute 300 to 500 hours of "sweat equity" on the construction of their home or someone else's home. Because Habitat houses are built using donations of land, material and labor, mortgage payments are kept affordable.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity, or if you would like to get involved please contact Campus Minister Greg Szkarlat at szkarlat@cheverus.org.
Students ages 16 and up are welcome to join!
Habitat for Humanity is sponsored by the Office of Campus Ministry
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