Habitat tithe program
Through Habitat for Humanity’s tithe program, our U.S. Habitat organizations are expected to contribute 10% of their unrestricted revenue each year in support of Habitat’s global ministry. The tithe is one of the hallmarks of Habitat, based on our biblical roots as an ecumenical Christian ministry. This practice has created a cycle of generosity and partnership for more than 45 years.
“It is not enough to limit your love to your own nation, to your own group. You must respond with love even to those outside of it … This concept enables people to live together not as nations, but as the human race.”
— Clarence Jordan, spiritual father of Habitat for Humanity
Every tithe multiplies
The impact of tithe is woven and witnessed throughout the work of Habitat. Collaboration and funding from the program have made an array of housing solutions possible worldwide, particularly for vulnerable populations and communities hardest hit by disaster. Here are some examples of those solutions.
Cambodia: Sour and Yin’s story
Sour and Yin beautifully capture the true meaning of love — one that grows stronger through life’s challenges and thrives with newfound hope. Living in the countryside with their three children, Sour and Yin, both in their mid-30s, have always worked tirelessly to provide for their family.
Sour, a construction worker, travels an hour by motorbike to his jobsite every day, while Yin worked as a farm laborer before the birth of their youngest child. Even so, their monthly income often fell short of meeting the family’s basic needs.
After their house collapsed, they lived under a relative’s roof until they built a new, sturdy home alongside Habitat and a team of global volunteers. Today, their story is one of hope and happiness. Sour and Yin now have a new, secure home — a place they could only dream of before.
“We no longer worry about the roof collapsing or the rain soaking us,” says Yin. “Our children have more space to play and grow, and we feel safe and secure.”
Lesotho: Blue’s story
Blue lost his wife many years ago and now cares for his son, daughters and seven grandchildren. The family lives in the Mapoteng community in Lesotho. Blue worked in the mines of South Africa where he contracted polio that put him in a wheelchair nearly 40 years ago.
Blue knew he and his family urgently needed safe, stable shelter, so he partnered with Habitat Lesotho. Together, they built a strong, solid new home, which included a ventilated pit latrine. Habitat Lesotho is steadfast in serving the most vulnerable families like Blue’s throughout the Mapoteng community and beyond.
Habitat Guatemala tithes to Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity
In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States as a Category 4, causing catastrophic damage to lives and property. Asheville, North Carolina, was one of many communities that was greatly impacted by widespread flooding. Along with a number of Habitat organizations, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity has provided immediate and long-term response efforts, including disaster repairs for impacted houses.
In November 2024, the organization received a letter from their partner organization in Guatemala, a special tithe on locally raised funds of $6,000 to support hurricane response efforts.
From Habitat for Humanity Guatemala, Alvaro Herrera, chairman of the board of directors, and Delorean Randich, national director, shared the following:
“In Guatemala, we understand these struggles all too well, having endured our share of natural disasters and their consequences. As part of the global family we are, and driven by our commitment to support our sister offices and the communities we all serve together, we are honored to share that the board of directors at Habitat for Humanity Guatemala has decided to designate $6,000 from our annual tithe to assist with your recovery efforts. We pray that this support will help bring some relief and renewed hope to families who have lost so much.”