Frequently Asked Questions

What is Habitat for Humanity?

Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in more than 1,300 communities across 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. We work toward our vision by building strength, stability and self-reliance in partnership with people and families in need of a decent and affordable home.

Learn more about Habitat for Humanity in the Asia-Pacific region.

How does Habitat for Humanity help families?

People in your community and all over the world partner with Habitat to build or improve a place they can call home. In the Asia-Pacific region, Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers. Houses may be built in stages or rehabilitated with the families gaining access to housing loan products designed by financially inclusive institutions that have received advisory services from Habitat.

How does Habitat for Humanity homeownership work?

Families in need of decent, affordable housing apply for homeownership with their local Habitat for Humanity. Selection criteria include the applicant’s level of need and their willingness to partner with Habitat. As part of their willingness to partner, Habitat’s homebuyers invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity, working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners.

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

Does Habitat for Humanity only build new houses?

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 repair and improve their own homes and neighborhoods.
• Habitat also work 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.
• In Asia-Pacific and other regions, Habitat works with partner organizations to serve even more families through innovative financing methods.

Learn more about our work.

How can I become a volunteer?

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

What are Habitat for Humanity national organizations?

They are local Habitat for Humanity organizations that act in partnership with and on behalf of Habitat for Humanity International. In the United States, they are known as affiliates.

Each national organization coordinates all aspects of Habitat’s work in its local area.

Find your local Habitat for Humanity organization.

Does Habitat for Humanity accept donations?

Habitat depends on financial donations to fund our work. These donations help families build a place they can call home. Support the need for adequate housing in the Asia-Pacific region.

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.

What is a Habitat for Humanity 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. The Restores are owned and operated by Habitat for Humanity national organizations or affiliates. Proceeds are used to build strength, stability and self-reliance locally. ReStores can be found in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Philippines in the Asia-Pacific region.

Where does Habitat for Humanity operate?

Habitat for Humanity operates in more than 1,300 communities across the U.S. and in over 70 countries around the world. In the Asia-Pacific region, we are active in Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. We also work through local partners in Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.

The Asia-Pacific area office is located in Manila, Philippines. Our operational headquarters are in Americus, Georgia, and our administrative headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Find a local Habitat near you.

How are donations distributed and used?

Habitat for Humanity relies on gifts from individuals, corporations and other groups to help families in need of decent and affordable homes around the world.

Designated donations are allocated in support of the national organization or program of the donor’s choosing.

Undesignated gifts are invested through the Global Impact Fund where they can have the greatest impact.

Habitat’s Global Impact Fund helps:

• Design and replicate innovative programs to serve more low-income families.
• Build the capacity of our network of U.S. affiliates and national organizations.
• Cover other costs necessary to ensure that Habitat fulfills its mission with excellence.

Habitat’s most recent audited financial statement is available online.

We appreciate all donations of any amount to help Asia-Pacific families build a better future. Please donate.

What is the organizational structure of Habitat for Humanity International?

An international board of directors oversees the work of Habitat for Humanity.

The Habitat headquarters are operated by an administrative staff, professional and support employees, and volunteers.

Visit our Leadership page for more information.

How does Habitat for Humanity work with the government?

Habitat asks legislators and housing regulators to increase support for affordable homeownership and decent housing.

Habitat monitors public policies related to housing, community and international development.

Habitat advocates for policies that will increase access to decent, affordable housing available to people around the world.

Habitat accepts government funds as long as they have no conditions that would violate our principles or limit our ability to proclaim our Christian identity.

More information about our advocacy efforts.

Is Habitat for Humanity a Christian organization?

Yes, we are a global nonprofit, ecumenical 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.

Learn more about Habitat’s history.