Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to take HFHU courses?

Most courses will be available to anyone interested in the Habitat for Humanity movement and in community-based approaches to affordable housing. Learners do not need to work with Habitat for Humanity in a paid or volunteer capacity in order to take most HFHU courses.

How much does it cost to take an HFHU course?

The current online offerings through HFHU are available free of charge. Print and CD-ROM products are available for a nominal fee. For a complete listing of courses and products available through HFHU, please refer to the Programs and Products section.

Is it possible to get college credit for taking HFHU courses?

Accreditation—the ability to earn transferable academic credit for HFHU courses—may be a goal of HFHU in the future. Currently, its courses are not transferable for credit.

How do I order HFHU products?

You may order HFHU products by contacting the Habitat for Humanity International Help Line.

Is HFHU a staff development or training department or a corporate university?

No. HFHU’s curriculum will be available to anyone with an interest in learning about Habitat for Humanity and community-based affordable housing, whether or not the learner is associated with Habitat for Humanity.

What role will other learning institutions play in HFHU?

HFHU seeks to engage in cooperative activities with other learning institutions. Appropriate educational partners will ideally reflect the global interests of HFHI, will have historic and proven track records in the teaching and research areas of interest to HFHU and will provide opportunities to pilot alternative learning delivery systems. Components of educational partnerships will include access to and influence on specific learning opportunities such as lectures, seminars, research projects, service learning, internship and fellowship experiences. The Harvard Business School is one academic institution with which HFHU has established an ongoing relationship.

How will HFHU help eliminate substandard housing?

The charter for HFHU is “nurturing the next generation of leaders in the movement to eliminate poverty housing worldwide.” We envision that community development and housing organizations, academic institutions, and corporations interested in community service would encourage people in their organizations to take HFHU courses and contribute to HFHU-sponsored research. Many of these institutions could also contribute courses to the HFHU curriculum. In this way, HFHU can fulfill its charter as a learning system that benefits all who work towards the elimination of substandard housing.

Does HFHU take money away from Habitat for Humanity’s building efforts?

No. HFHU staff and programs are funded through designated gifts from corporations, foundations and individual donors that are specifically earmarked for HFHU.

If you have a question for HFHU that you don't see listed here, please contact HFHU.

If you have a general question about Habitat for Humanity, please send your inquiry to publicinfo@habitat.org.