Common Questions About Habitat for Humanity

You may have heard of Habitat for Humanity, but how much do you really know about us?  Watauga County Habitat is one of over 1700 affiliates across the world.  Habitat for Humanity can be found in all 50 states and located in 70 countries worldwide.

Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most.

Are Habitat for Humanity houses free?

No. Families who are in need of decent, affordable housing apply locally to Habitat for Humanity for homeownership. Their ability to repay an affordable mortgage (zero-interest loan), as well as their level of housing need and willingness to partner with Habitat, are among the selection criteria for becoming a Habitat homeowner.

Future homeowners receive financial education and complete 250 hours of sweat equity working alongside volunteers. Sweat equity can take the form of building their own and other Habitat homes, providing retail assistance at a local Habitat ReStore, or performing important tasks at their local Habitat office.

Learn more about what it takes to become a Habitat homeowner.

Did former U.S. President Jimmy Carter start Habitat for Humanity?

While President and Mrs. Carter are Habitat’s most famous volunteers and have worked tirelessly since 1984 to help families build houses and to raise awareness of the need for affordable housing, Habitat was founded by Millard and Linda Fuller in 1976.

The idea that became Habitat for Humanity first grew from the fertile soil of Koinonia Farm, a community farm outside of Americus, Georgia, founded by farmer and biblical scholar Clarence Jordan. There in the early ’70s, Jordan and the Fullers developed “partnership housing.” The idea centered on those in need of adequate shelter working side by side with volunteers to build decent, affordable houses at no profit. To build more homes, new homeowners’ house payments would be combined with no-interest loans provided by supporters and money earned by fundraising.

In 1973, the Fullers took the concept to Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo, and launched a successful house-building program. After three years, they returned to the United States and founded Habitat for Humanity International.

Learn more about Habitat’s history.

Does Habitat for Humanity only build locally?

Habitat builds in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. We also work in more than 70 countries worldwide. Learn more about all of the places where we work.

Can only Christians apply for Habitat homes? Can only Christians volunteer and work with Habitat?

Habitat is a global nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. While our mission is inspired by Christian teachings, all who desire to be a part of our work are welcome — without regard to religious preference or background.

Do I have to have construction skills to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity?

We welcome people with any skill level to volunteer with us on the build site, even beginners. On-site construction leaders train volunteers in all aspects of building. You do have to be at least 16 years old to work on a Habitat construction site.

You can also volunteer and participate in a variety of other ways, from becoming an advocate to helping out in one of our ReStores. Check out all of the ways you can support Habitat’s work.

Does Habitat need donations?

Yes, Habitat for Humanity needs donations to advance our work, and we appreciate your financial support.

Thanks to the support of people like you we are able to help people create strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. It will take all of us doing whatever we can to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live.