Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing. Habitat’s methods are derived from a few key theological concepts: the necessity of putting faith into action, the “economics of Jesus” and the “theology of the hammer.” Habitat for Humanity’s policy is to build with people in need regardless of race or religion, and we welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds.
Based on our founding on Christian principles, we eagerly seek to engage the faith community in the mission of Habitat for Humanity. Here are some ways your faith organization can join us.
PRAY
- Pray privately as a congregation for the ministry of Habitat and the homeowners.
- Lead a devotion and prayer at a construction build site, at a homeowner workshop, or at a house ceremony.
- Set aside one Sabbath day a year to draw attention to the need for safe, affordable, decent housing in our country, state, and county and to pray for God’s help in solving the problem. Habitat can provide a speaker, handouts, collection envelopes, statistics, or presentation materials.
SERVE
- On a build site – volunteer as an individual or a group on one of our worksites. Site supervisor, training, materials and tools provided. No experience necessary.
- In our office – volunteer in office doing clerical work such as answering phones, assisting with mailings, and data entry.
- Volunteer, Shop or Donate at Habitat ReStore East on Cottage Grove Road or Habitat ReStore West on Odana Road. Proceeds from our Habitat ReStores builds four Habitat homes a year.
- Refer a homeowner candidate – let a low-income resident of Dane County (60% or below of median income per HUD guidelines) know about our long-term housing solution – a new, modest home with a zero interest, no profit mortgage built and financed by Habitat.
- International build trip – participate in one of our international building mission trips. We are planning global village build trips to El Salvador, our partner country, in 2014 and 2015. Contact Kathleen Van Den Wymelenberg if interested, 661-2813.
- On a committee – in addition to the volunteer Board of Directors, Habitat has working committees including: Development, Land Acquisition, Family Selection, Green Team, and Family Support.
- Involve your children or youth – share with your children and youth ministries these Habitat based children and youth activities. This low-key introduction of Habitat to your congregation provides Sunday School teachers, VBS coordinators, and Bible study teachers with ready-made curriculum (not to mention some fun ice-breaker games, crafts, etc.). Additional materials are available here.
DONATE
- To one of our Habitat Restores – donate building materials, wood furniture, and appliances.
- A financial gift – to one of our projects
- Fundraisers – join us, the UW-Madison campus chapter, and Habitat Young Professionals (HYP) group at our various events throughout the year.
- A house or half a house – Habitat house sponsorship levels range from partial to full sponsorship ($90,000). Congregations can partner with other local congregations within their denomination or a local business to sponsor and provide the labor to build a house.
- An Apostle’s Build. Join with 11 other churches to raise $7,500 each and provide the labor and prayer support to build a Habitat home.
- Space – Display Habitat information within your church and at your outreach ministries
- Time – Invite a Habitat representative to speak one of the groups within your congregation to raise awareness of the need for decent housing.
For more information please contact:
Amy Good
Director of Development
(608)255-1549×106
