Habitat for Humanity

A STABLE HOME

Habitat for Humanity was founded in the 1970s in Americus, Georgia on Koinoma Farms, in an effort to provide strong and stable homes at an affordable rate.  It started in Georgia but began branching out. In 1976, Habitat for Humanity began the international branch of their non-profit. The first country that Habitat for Humanity reached was the Republic of the Congo. Now they reach 70 countries, 1400 communities in the U.S, and have helped 9.8 million people receive shelter.

Habitat for Humanity isn’t just about giving. They involve the homeowner. I remember as a kid working really hard and saving up all my money so I could buy one of the first iPod touches. I took such good care of that iPod and used it all the time, because I had worked hard to be able to purchase something I really wanted. I think Habitat for Humanity understand this concept. This plays out into the building of a homeowner’s house. If you are a recipient for a house you work along-side of the volunteers and help with the building of your house.

The first family Habitat for Humanity helped was a family in Georgia that had five children. They lived in a shack with no plumbing. Habitat for Humanity, alongside of this family, built a new home for them with plumbing and room for the entire family.

Habitat has done much research and seen how important it is for a child’s health and learning abilities at school to have a solid and stable home. Many children in school who didn’t have a solid home environment were struggling in school. You can see how starting with a good roof with a solid shelter is important in making sure children are given the best chance to do their best. It’s all about breaking the cycle and setting everyone up for success. Giving families a stable and solid home, allows for the children to do well in school and gives them many educational opportunities.

Strong stable home, means strong stable family, which means strong stable communities. It takes people out of desperate situations and gives them the best chance of success. Their mission is “seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.” Their ultimate vision being, “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”

Not only do they assist in building your home, they also have furniture stores that are reasonably priced. So it’s not just about a roof, it’s about a home, with all the necessary pieces, including furniture.

This is an incredible organization that has benefited so many people, not just in the United States but all around the world. If you’d like to get involved you can sign up here.