Under this general statement of mission, Habitat for Humanity's goal is to eliminate poverty
housing and homelessness worldwide and to stir the hearts and minds of others to take action on
this issue. Together, these basic principles comprise the heart of Habitat's work:
1) Habitat for Humanity has chosen to witness to Jesus Christ's Gospel by working with God's
people in need everywhere to create a better habitat in which to live and work.
2) Though Habitat is an ecumenical Christian ministry, everyone who shares a concern for the
poorly sheltered is welcome--all faiths, ages, races, walks of life and cultures.
3) The formation of partnerships is essential to Habitat's work. Habitat believes that when we
join in partnership, our differences give way to factors that unite us.
4) Habitat affiliates originate at the grass-roots level, going only where local people invite and
initiate interest in Habitat's work.
5) Habitat does not build houses for people in need, but with people in need as equal partners.
Habitat aspires to empower them and assist them in developing self-sufficiency.
6) Future Habitat homeowners are chosen locally, based on need, willingness to work on houses
and ability to pay for their houses. Habitat’s selection processes are nondiscriminatory.
7) Habitat affiliates must build affordable houses. This is accomplished through various
partnerships, including volunteer workers, generous donors and prayer partners.
8) Habitat affiliates are not to make a profit nor charge interest on the mortgages, based on
Exodus 22:25.
9) Future Habitat homeowners must work hundreds of hours on their houses and the houses of
others. This work commitment is termed "sweat equity."
10) Homeowner house payments go into a revolving "Fund for Humanity” to help pay for the
construction of other houses.
11) Habitat accepts government funds for the acquisition of streets, utilities, land, old houses
needing renovation, or for administrative expenses, provided those funds do not compromise
Habitat principles.
