| New Orleans | Conference | Certification | Exhibits | Registration |
Thank You!  HCCA's 2nd Annual Compliance Institute Volunteer Project is full. We had an overwhelming response from our members and attendees Thank You!
Future Dallas, TX |
Habitat for Humanity Mission Statement Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with people in need by building and renovating houses, so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which every person can experience God’s love and can live and grow into all that God intends. The need for decent, affordable housing around the world is staggering. An estimated 25 percent of the world’s population, more than a billion people, live in substandard housing or have no home at all. Families are trapped in a daily struggle to survive amidst horrible, often inhuman, living conditions. Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to the ideal that all people deserve a simple, decent, healthy place to live on terms they can afford to pay. Working in partnership with individual volunteers, faith communities, organizations and the new homeowner families, Habitat for Humanity is building houses and building hope around the world.
FAQ’s Q - How does Habitat work? A - Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and renovates simple, decent houses with the help of homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable mortgages. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving Fund for Humanity that is used to build more houses. Habitat carries out its mission at the community level through organized groups called affiliates. Affiliates around the world raise the funds used to construct houses. All Habitat affiliates are asked to tithe—to give 10 percent of their contributions—to fund house-building work in other nations. In many countries, national organizations have been formed to support the development of affiliates. These national organizations also raise awareness, provide training and leadership development and support fund raising. Some national organizations and affiliates receive funding grants and fund-raising support from Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a modest down payment and the monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor—“sweat equity”—into building their house and the houses of others.
Q - What does a Habitat house cost for a partner family? A - Throughout the world, the cost of houses varies from as little as a few thousand dollars in some developing countries to around $60,000 in the United States. Mortgage length varies from seven to thirty years. House costs are kept low by using locally available materials and volunteer labor. Habitat continues to search for innovative approaches and partnerships that will enable even the poorest families to have a simple, decent place to live.
Q - How are partner families selected? A - Families in need of decent shelter apply to local Habitat affiliates. 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 no-interest loan. Every affiliate follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing homeowner families. Q - Do I need to be an expert? A - No, individuals with all levels of experience are invited to volunteer with us.
Q - Can I work even though I have some physical limitations? A-Yes, there are a number of tasks that do not involve strenuous labor. Please advise the Habitat staff you are working with of your limitations. For more serious limitations there may be opportunities to work at the restore or the office
Q - What goes on at the worksite? A-Homes are at all stages of the construction process. We build houses from the floor up. Tasks on the construction site fluctuate, depending on need, weather, etc. You will be assigned to a task every morning.
Q - What do I wear? A - Footwear needs to be sturdy and closed-toe and closed-heel. Boots or sneakers are both considered appropriate footwear, however boots are preferable. If it is sunny, please bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. If it is raining, please bring a jacket, raincoat, and/or rain boots. Bug spray may also be a good idea.
Q - Is it safe? A - People should use their best judgment and use their instincts. No serious crimes have been reported on or near the worksite, possibly due to the great rapport between Habitat and the local precinct, located just two blocks away. Additionally, the local police and the National Guard patrol the area. Please keep valuable items at home/hotel room.
Q - What if I have allergies/asthma? A - Our worksites in New Orleans are new construction, and therefore pose little risk for mold allergies to get irritated. We have projects that will be working in previously gutted homes, these homes will be treated for mold and should pose no threat. You should, however, take into account the humidity, heat and abundance of plant life. Bring your medication with you and be sure to take breaks when necessary. |
