Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. The goal of HFHI is to end poverty housing around the world. Currently, there are HFHI affiliates in 100 countries and all 50 states, and it has built over 200,000 houses around the world.
HFHI does not give away houses. Family homeowners are chosen based on their need, willingness to become partners in the program, and ability to pay back their affordable, no-interest loans; neither race nor religion are considered in choosing partner families. In addition to the down payment and monthly mortgage payments, each family must put in "sweat equity" hours where they work alongside other volunteers to build their own house and other houses.
To help keep costs down, HFHI relies on volunteers. Volunteers are crucial to the building (both in the actual construction and in supporting the builders though food service, etc.). After all many hands make light work, especially when it comes to raising the walls and roof!
Absolutely not. Every build site is overseen by experienced and knowledgable supervisors, who are able and very willing to teach any building "rookie" the skills needed to build a house. Frequently, the person who comes onto the site having never swung a hammer is teaching others how to use new tools by the end of the day!
What you do need is a willingness to work and have fun. Habitat can take it from there!
Most definitely. While hauling lumber around can be hard work, no one is working alone. Instead, you are side by side with the future homeowner and many other volunteers all dedicated to the goal of making safe housing affordable. And no one wants to work on a boring site!
Plus, can you think of a better stress reliever than pounding nails with a hammer? Just picture your least favorite professor's face on the nail, and bang away! You might be surprised just how good it feels!
Georgetown Law's Habitat chapter is as active as we can be. We are usually able to volunteer at a DC build site about once a month during the school year, and we have an annual trip during spring break to North Carolina to build.
Occasionally, other opportunities come up, and we'll let you know about those as those arise. If you'd like to get on our list-serv, send an email to us, and we'll make sure you get all the notices we send out!
Volunteers are always welcome. Keep checking our News and Events page to see what's coming up. And you can always find someone to answer any other questions not answered by this incredibly insightful answer page on our Contacts page!