Habitat For Humanity International (HFHI) (generally referred to as Habitat for Humanity or simply Habitat) is an international, ecumenical Christian, non-governmental, non-profit organization devoted to building "simple, decent, and affordable" housing. Homes are built using volunteer labor and are sold at no profit. In locations outside the United States, Habitat for Humanity charges interest to protect against inflation. This policy has been in place since 1986.

History

The organization was founded in 1976 in Americus, Ga., by Millard and Linda Fuller, whose vision grew out of their experiences at Koinonia Farm. The international headquarters is located in Americus, with additional offices located in Atlanta, Ga., Raleigh, N.C., and West Chester, Pa. Staff members at all locations serve to support and promote the activities of local, independent Habitat for Humanity groups, which initiate and manage construction, mortgages and homeowner selection worldwide.

In 1996, U.S. President Bill Clinton awarded Fuller the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, calling Habitat for Humanity “…the most successful continuous community service project in the history of the United States.”[http://www.habitat.org/how/millard.aspx Millard Fuller - Founder
Habitat for Humanity International - Habitat for Humanity Int'l ] By 2004 Habitat had built 50,000 houses in the U.S. and over 175,100 around the world, with Habitat groups working in over 100 countries. Although headquartered in the United States, two thirds of Habitat construction takes place in other countries. In 2005 Habitat built its 200,000th house, bringing the number of people sheltered in Habitat houses worldwide to one million.

On 4 August 2005, Habitat announced the selection of a new Chief Executive Officer for the organization, former president of stores of Musicland and executive pastor of the Edina, Minnesota Christ Presbyterian Church, Jonathan Reckford.[http://www.habitat.org/newceo/ Meet Habitat for Humanity's New Chief Executive Officer:
Jonathan Reckford, Pastor and Veteran Business Leader - Habitat for Humanity Int'l ]

In the fall of 2007, alternative rock bands Switchfoot and Relient K went on the Appetite For Construction Tour, partnering with Habitat while raising awareness for the organization and donating a dollar per ticket sold. The tour was highly successful, raising over $100,000 for donation to the cause.

Qualifications for home ownership

According to the official website,

Homeowner families are chosen according to their need; their ability to repay the no-profit, affordable mortgage; and their willingness to work in partnership with Habitat. Habitat for Humanity does not discriminate according to race, religion or ethnic group.