MISSION
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical, grassroots, Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing from the world and make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. By having needy and affluent people work together in equal partnership, Habitat builds new relationships and a sense of community as well as new housing.
HISTORY
HFH International is headquartered in Americus, Georgia. It was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller.
Habitat for Humanity of Madison County (HFHMC) is an affiliate project; an independent, non-profit organization responsible for its own fundraising, publicity, volunteer recruitment and staffing. HFHMC is managed by a local volunteer board of directors. HFHMC is one of over 1,500 affiliated projects in the U.S.
Since its affiliation in 1987, HFHMC has helped over 125 families.
Habitat home under construction in Madison County. Spring Build 2004
FUNDING
Through volunteer labor, management expertise, and tax-deductible donations of land, money and materials, HFHMC builds homes in the Huntsville/Madison County area with the help of the future homeowners. The homes are then sold at no profit and with no-interest mortgages to selected families. A portion of the monthly house payments goes towards the building of additional homes.
CONSTRUCTION HFHMC builds simple, energy-efficient, 3- or 4-bedroom houses of 1,064 and 1,232 square feet. A detailed construction guide has been developed outlining a 13-Saturday building program. Each construction project has a "House Leader" who manages the construction site and provides technical assistance. The walls of the house are constructed in the HFHMC warehouse and erected on the foundation/floor on the 2nd Saturday of the construction schedule.
PARTICIPATION
HFHMC ulitizes volunteers through churches, businesses, and organizations to provide the funds and manpower to build new homes. HFHMC provides the land and management needed to accomplish the task.
The Family Selection Committee chooses eligible families based upon need, income level and a willingness to dedicate 300 "sweat equity" hours. Sweat equity means working for their own and other construction projects in support of Habitat goals. In addition, the selected families are trained in basic upkeep and maintenance of their new home.
FOR MORE
There's more about Habitat in general and Habitat for Humanity International at How It Works on the HFH International website.