Learn about Habitat for Humanity

Our mission and history

• Take a quick tour of our mission, methods and current progress.
• Find in-depth answers to frequently asked questions in this fact sheet.
• Read the history of Habitat or view our photo timeline.

Who we are

• We are a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. We build with people in need regardless of race or religion. We welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds.
• Meet our Board of Directors and our CEO, Jonathan Reckford.
• Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn are Habitat's most famous supporters. The couple annually leads the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.

What we build

• Our houses are simple, decent, and affordable to low-income families around the world. See what Habitat houses are like around the world.
• Whenever possible, we build energy-efficient, sustainable housing. Learn more about our construction and environmental resources.

Why we build

• Nearly 2 billion people around the world live in slum housing and over 100 million are homeless. Habitat for Humanity is needed to help eliminate poverty by providing simple, decent shelter to those in need.
• Families left homeless by natural disasters, war and civil unrest often face dire housing situations as they struggle to rebuild their lives. Habitat for Humanity’s Disaster Response program provides shelter and housing solutions to help these families recover.

How it’s possible

• We partner with corporations, foundations and other nonprofits to build a network for better housing. Other generous partners support us with funds, volunteers and creative ideas. Learn more about Habitat's stewardship of these resources in our Annual Report and Financial Statement.
• In the U.S., Habitat for Humanity lends no-profit, no-interest mortgage loans to its beneficiary families.
• On a global scale, Habitat’s traditional model is not always possible. Our international housing finance programs consist of innovative housing finance practices and/or partnerships with microfinance organizations.

Learn more

• Habitat for Humanity is known throughout the world for housing families. The Habitat for Humanity University provides something more: knowledge on housing issues.
• Visit the Global Village and Discovery Center in Americus, Georgia. Learn about the devastating effects of poverty everywhere. See life-size Habitat houses from countries around the world.
• Learn more about who we are and what we do around the world every day. Visit our newsroom for press releases, articles, photos and videos about Habitat for Humanity.