Program Background
What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity is an international, nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to building, and rehabilitating, decent houses for those families unable to afford simple and safe housing. Habitat is a worldwide, grass-roots movement made up of more then 2,100 active affiliates in 100 countries, including all 50 states in the United States and the District of Columbia. Through these local affiliates, Habitat’s work is accomplished. Each affiliate is its own locally and independently run nonprofit organization. The affiliates organize and coordinate all aspects of home buildings in their local areas from fundraising and building site selection to house construction and mortgage servicing. As of 2004, Habitat for Humanity has built more than 175,000 homes worldwide, thus providing shelter for more than 900,000 people.
What is the purpose of Habitat for Humanity?
As a worldwide, nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry, Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to the elimination of homelessness and poverty housing from the world. Founded on the belief that all people deserve a decent and affordable place to live in dignity and safety, Habitat pursues its vision to make decent, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. The work of Habitat is driven by the desire of founders Millard and Linda Fuller to give tangible expression to individual faith through the work of eliminating poverty housing.
Who is Behind It?
Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller. Since its founding, Habitat has grown exponentially throughout the world. Currently, Habitat is led by an ecumenical, international board of directors – all board members are dedicated volunteers - which determines policy, oversees and guides the mission of Habitat for Humanity International. Furthermore, each Habitat affiliate is managed by its own local volunteer board.
Why does Habitat for Humanity exist?
The causes of substandard housing and homelessness are many. Millions of people are displaced due to war, famine and natural disasters. Millions more languish in poverty and squalor in much of the developing world.
In the United States, the wages of low-income families have not kept pace with rising rents and mortgage requirements, while at the same time many low-cost housing units have either been abandoned or demolished, or converted into high-cost units.
As time passes, though, more and more low-income families have the opportunity to become homeowners as Habitat for Humanity fights back against homelessness and poverty housing. Thanks to the dedication of so many, Habitat is making decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.
Every man, woman and child deserves to have a simple, decent and affordable place they can call home with dignity. Fortunately, there are those groups and individuals in the world who believe in this cause. Today, Habitat for Humanity continues to be driven by the same desire of Millard and Linda Fuller: To give tangible expression to individual faith through the work of eliminating poverty housing.
Habitat for Humanity & Sigma Nu Fraternity
How is Sigma Nu Involved?
In the summer of 2004, Sigma Nu Fraternity established an agreement with Habitat that Sigma Nu supports and encourages the mission of Habitat for Humanity. Sigma Nu chapters and members are asked to be involved with their local Habitat for Humanity affiliates as they pursue the elimination of poverty housing.
How does a Chapter Participate?
Sigma Nu chapters have an opportunity to get involved with Habitat for Humanity by contacting their local Habitat affiliate to volunteer for any current, or upcoming, Habitat projects in the area. With affiliates in all 50 states of the United States and the District of Columbia, the opportunities for a Sigma Nu chapter to get involved are tremendous. You can find out how to get in touch with your local Habitat affiliate by searching Habitat for Humanity International’s website at www.habitat.org/local/.
How does a chapter get involved?
Getting involved with Habitat-for-Humanity is easy. Just follow these simple steps.
- Make a decision to volunteer with your local Habitat affiliate. You can find out how to contact your local habitat affiliate by going to www.habitat.org/local/.
- Fill out the Chapter Commitment Form (Commit to the Helping Hand).
- Work with your local Habitat affiliate to establish a project and the times when your chapter will be volunteering.
- Report your Chapter’s participation with Habitat-for-Humanity to Sigma Nu Headquarters. Please include the contact information of the local Habitat affiliate with which you worked.
To learn more about Habitat for Humanity go to their website at www.habitat.org.
