Glossary of Terms: Understanding "Habitat Talk"

Biblical economics:
This term is among Habitat for Humanity’s guiding principles and refers to the Biblical scripture, Exodus 22:25: “If you lend money to my people, to the poor among you, you are not to act as a creditor to him; you shall not charge him interest.”

Blitz build:
Beginning with a prepared foundation, a blitz build is the complete construction of a Habitat house or houses within a short, concentrated period of time–usually one or two weeks.

Ecumenical:
This means that Habitat strives for unity across denominational and ideological lines.

Nondiscrimination:
Habitat holds the belief that God’s love extends to the whole world and demonstrates that belief by working to make adequate housing available to all people, regardless of race, creed, faith, gender or age. While Habitat is a Christian organization, it welcomes the involvement of people of all faiths.

"Simple, decent" house:
What constitutes a simple, decent place to live varies depending on local culture and standards of living. Within a local context, Habitat builds houses that are basic in design and construction, are durable, safe, and are adequate to meet the homeowner’s needs.

Sweat equity:
This refers to the unpaid labor invested by homeowner partners in building their own—and others’—Habitat for Humanity houses. These hours are a requirement of Habitat homeownership. Sweat equity reduces the monetary cost of the house and increases the personal stake of family members in their home. This concept also fosters partnerships that cross economic, racial and national divisions.

Volunteer:
A person who does what he or she can to help Habitat build houses without expectation of repayment. The work done by volunteers is optional and not required by their government, employer or Habitat.







Reprinted from Habitat World Magazine, February/March 2001.
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©2001 Habitat for Humanity International