Home as a source of empowerment

With your help, Habitat for Humanity homeowners are able to overcome the barriers that so often exist between their families and better, healthier and more financially stable lives.

You don’t have to look very far to see that more and more families are finding themselves in a struggle to keep a decent roof over their heads. Caught in punishing cycles of unpredictable rent increases, overcrowded conditions or lack of access to land and affordable financing, too many families in your community and around the world live every day with uncertainty, stress and fear.

Habitat and our model of affordable homeownership help to change that. As I meet the families who partner with us and talk with our staff and volunteers in communities far and wide, I’m always struck by the lasting difference a hand up can make. Decent shelter is something we all need to thrive, and I am deeply moved by stories that demonstrate so clearly how the stability of a home helps someone become strong and self-reliant.

I rejoice when a father shares how his child’s health has improved in a decent, affordable home. I’m inspired by the mother whose growing confidence and newly acquired skills are propelling her toward additional educational and vocational opportunities. I celebrate that more teachers, musicians, policemen, pastors and brick makers are able to live affordably and decently in the same neighborhoods where they work. And I watch with hope as a next generation has the chance to grow up in a safe, healthy space, with plenty of room to play and explore their potential.

Imagine the possibilities for all those families in your community and around the world who are eager to build or improve a place they can call home. Imagine individuals who have great ideas and tremendous energy for contributing to the neighborhoods where they live.

Now realize that, so often, all they really need is a helping hand, a way to help themselves so that they can build a better life for themselves and their families. Imagine what you can do to help create more opportunities for that kind of success through Habitat!

It’s imperative that our work continue to grow, and that growth begins with your continued generous support. I thank you for sharing our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live and for everything you do to help make it a reality for more families every day.

— Jonathan T.M. Reckford, Habitat for Humanity International CEO