What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity (HFH) is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFH seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.
Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.
Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County was established in 1989. Since then, our affiliate has built 140 homes, housing more than 560 individuals from the Houston area who were in need of a simple, decent place to live.
Worldwide, Habitat has built more than 250,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1 million people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter.
How does it work?
Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses.
Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor — sweat equity — into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.
What does a Habitat house cost?
Habitat for Humanity NWHC’s homes cost between $77,500-$82,000 depending on the house size and location.
Habitat for Humanity NWHC houses are affordable for low-income families because they are offered a non-interest bearing, 20 year mortgage managed by the affiliate.
Where does Habitat for Humanity operate?
Habitat is a worldwide, grassroots movement. Habitat has a presence in more than 90 countries, including all 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico.
There are eight Habitat for Humanity affiliates providing services to the Greater Houston area.
How are the partner families selected?
Families in need of decent shelter apply to their local Habitat affiliate. The affiliate’s family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the loan. Every affiliate follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families who receive Habitat houses.
Does Habitat work with the government?
Habitat for Humanity welcomes partnerships with government agencies that include accepting funds and other resources to help provide houses for God’s children in need, provided these partnerships do not limit our ability to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus Christ, and further provided that affiliates do not become dependent on or controlled by government funds or other funding sources.
How do I get involved?
To get involved with Habitat for Humanity NWHC, please see our Volunteer Opportunities page.