Substandard housing in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Habitat house sponsorship in that country is US$7,900.
When you are raising funds or donating to Habitat for Humanity, remember that, while your contributions are needed locally, there is also a whole world of people who are in need of your support. With your tithe donations, Habitat for Humanity can continue to provide simple, decent housing to all people in need, not just those here in the United States.
The word “tithe” comes from the tradition in which people of certain faiths would donate 10 percent of their income to their religious institution. Through Habitat’s Tithe program, Habitat partners are encouraged to donate a tenth of what they raise in support of house building in another country. Habitat for Humanity encourages all affiliates and campus chapters to participate in the international effort to eliminate global poverty by sending a portion of what is raised in their home country elsewhere.
Every dollar counts in the fight against substandard housing. The estimated average cost for building a house overseas is only US$4,200. Compared to the median cost of a home in the United States of $59,324, this is less than 10 percent of the full tithe—less than most students in the United States pay for a semester of college.
Think of it this way: The average classroom size in the United States is 25 to 30 students. If you asked 10 relatives for $10 each, you would raise $100. If each member of your class did the same thing, you would have raised almost enough to sponsor an entire house in another country. That would mean that three to five people would have a safe and affordable place to sleep at night because of you.
A partner family in Sri Lanka outside their new Habitat home. Habitat house sponsorship in the country is US$1,300.
Because you can. You have been blessed to live in a country that helps its people, and you have the opportunity to share that blessing. We here in the United States, no matter our own poverty level, are still rich compared to many people living in other countries. Our government works to improve our living conditions and create opportunities for our citizens, while other individuals are not so fortunate. Habitat is advocating for changes in these countries to make it easier for everyone to have a simple, decent place to live; in the meantime, people need your help. Continue to donate locally, but remember the 10 percent rule: For every $10 you raise, share $1 with an international affiliate, and make an impact globally.
Campus chapter and affiliate tithe funds make an incredible impact on the housing crisis around the world!
In 2006-2007, campus chapters in the United States tithed more than $75,000!
Thank you all for the contributions you have made to the Habitat for Humanity Tithe program. Your donations continue to make a difference worldwide.
How to send a tithe donation:
• Decide where you want your tithe to go. Go to www.habitat.org and click on “Where We Build” to read country profiles. If you prefer not to select a particular country, Habitat will send the funds to the area most in need.
• Make a check payable to Habitat for Humanity International. In the memo line, write the country designated to receive the tithe. In order to receive credit for your campus chapter the campus chapter’s name must be included on the memo line as well. An invoice will be included in the Middle of the Year mailing sent in January.
• Mail your check to: Habitat for Humanity International Youth Programs 121 Habitat St. Americus, GA 31709-3498
• Send an e-mail to the Youth Programs department so we can follow up on your tithe and recognize your chapter’s contribution. E-mail: campuschapters@habitat.org Subject: Tithe, chapter name, state Be sure to note your tithe in your chapter’s annual report.
• HFHI will make every effort to honor the designation made by the Habitat affiliate. However, HFHI reserves the right to apply the funds to another location if – in the sole judgment of the International Board of Directors of HFHI – the original designation becomes, in effect, unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment, or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community or area served. Please e-mail or call Aubury Holmes with any questions or concerns (auholmes@habitat.org 1-800-422-4828 x7544)
• For more information on tithe, please e-mail campuschapters@habitat.org, subject line: “tithe.”
