Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian
organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness
worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience
and action. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman
and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in
dignity and safety.
Habitat has an open-door policy: All who desire to be a part of this
work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background.
Habitat for Humanity has always had a policy of building with people
in need regardless of race or religion, and it welcomes volunteers and
supporters from all backgrounds.
The work of Habitat for Humanity is driven by the desire to give tangible
expression to the love of God through the work of eliminating poverty
housing. Habitat's mission and methods are predominantly derived from
a few key theological concepts: the necessity of putting faith into
action, the "economics of Jesus" and the "theology of
the hammer."
Putting Faith into Action
Habitat's ministry is based on the conviction that to follow the teachings
of Jesus Christ we must reflect Christ's love in our own lives by loving
and caring for one another. Our love must not be words only—it
must be true love, which shows itself in action. Habitat provides an
opportunity for people to put their faith and love into action, bringing
diverse groups of people together to make affordable housing and better
communities a reality for everyone.
The Economics of Jesus
When people act in response to human need, giving what they have without
seeking profit or interest, Habitat for Humanity believes God magnifies the effects of
our efforts. Habitat refers to this perspective as "the economics
of Jesus." Together, the donated labor of construction volunteers,
the support of partner organizations and the homeowners' "sweat
equity" make Habitat's house building possible. By sharing resources
with those in need, Habitat volunteers and supporters have made decent,
affordable housing a reality for more than 200,000 families worldwide.
The Theology of the Hammer
Habitat is a partnership founded on common ground—bridging
theological differences by putting love into action. Everyone can use
the hammer as an instrument to manifest God's love. Habitat founder
Millard Fuller called this concept "the theology of the hammer,"
explaining, "We may disagree on all sorts of other things ... but
we can agree on the idea of building homes with God's people in need,
and in doing so using biblical economics: no profit and no interest."
Habitat for Humanity welcomes all people to build with it in partnership.
"The Bible teaches that God is the God of the whole crowd,"
explained Fuller. "God's love leaves nobody out, and my love should
not either. This understanding drives 'the theology of the hammer' around
the world, steadily building more and more houses in more and more countries."
