Strategic Growth: How Habitat Makes its Moves

By Milana McLead

The question is often asked, “Why isn’t Habitat building in this country or that?” There are many factors to assess when considering whether or not Habitat for Humanity should begin its work in a particular country.

Ultimately, the work of Habitat for Humanity International is a grassroots program that requires local initiative. The work of Habitat is carried out by affiliates—local, grassroots organizations that are formed according to Habitat’s purposes, principles and methods of operation. What HFHI brings to a given country is a proven and established model for self-help house building, educational and training resources, financial and human resources, tools to assist board and affiliate development, house designs and more.

Certainly, the methodology for targeting a given country varies in each of HFHI’s regions according to need and resources. In general, area staff identifies a potential new country based on various indicators and progressive steps, such as:

• Review feasibility of operating in a particular country (including political and economic stability, accessibility of resources, country dynamics, partnership potential).
• Visits by area staff to the country to identify appropriate local interest and contacts.
• Assign area staff to establish HFHI operations or activity in-country.
• Begin process of legal registration as a non-governmental organization within that country.
• Initiate affiliate development and partnership alliances.
• Establish initial local affiliate(s), complete with local involvement and leadership.
  
  

Prior to a country’s approval by Habitat’s international board of directors, work typically moves through these phases. Once approved, the building of simple, decent shelter with people in need begins in earnest.


New Country Development

Currently, Habitat for Humanity is represented in 67 nations. In addition, HFHI personnel are based in or are visiting several countries that are in varying stages of potential "new country development." Among them are the following:

Argentina	Cambodia	Cameroon
Chile	East Timor	Ivory Coast
Jordan	Liberia	Madagascar
Mongolia	Mozambique	Tajikistan
Turkey	Venezuela	Vietnam

Milana McLead is editor of Habitat World.





Reprinted from Habitat World Magazine, October/November 2000.
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©2000 Habitat for Humanity International