About UsHabitat for Humanity is one the oldest and most immediately recognizable charity organizations in America, known to build houses for those who need them, and that is about all. The reality of the group is much more in-depth and interesting then simply giving away houses that volunteers build.
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Basic Facts |
Firstly, the houses are not given away. They are sold-at cost, which is much cheaper then other houses of their kind as most of the labor done to create them was volunteered. This allows families who could not normally afford homes to have access to low-income housing. While the quality often suffers because of the inexperienced workers, this is still a boon to those without homes.
Secondly, the reduced cost does come at a price. Those who take advantage of the benefits that Habitat for Humanity provides must give back through hours of volunteer service. In this way, the group remains %100 sustainable and manages to dodge any claims of being a 'handout' organization, which would turn many people off. Considering their Christian roots its understandable that their model would be structured in a more conservative way, and the system is very well crafted from a sustainability perspective. |
Sustainability |
Another aspect that helps them remain sustainable is their chapter system. Habitat is decentralized and new chapters spring up with new projects all the time, meeting the needs to their local area. This allows community members to support themselves without heavy-handed committee oversight.
One criticism of Habitat could be that because they charge money for their houses, it prevents those most in-need from obtaining shelter. While this is a fair critique, it is simply not what this organization is addressing. Their are other groups and government programs that can address the chronic homelessness problem better then Habitat, but non can help poor families quite as much and in such a sustainable was as they can. |
DUTIES Everyone is supposed to arrive by 8:00am in the morning, and can serve either a four hour or an eight hour shift, though you are free to leave at any time. At 8:15am the volunteer leader will call a meeting with the paid leader and tell the other volunteers what the plan is for today, some basic information about Habitat and then assign task-leaders. These are people with some degree of expertise or training in a field and are sent off to do something related to it, bringing along a small team of 2-6 volunteers to help.
Depending on your leader, you can have a widely different experience. Those that take the time to help, support and guide their team often see much better results, and the volunteers can really learn new skills this way. On the other hand, those that do not provide true leadership will not see effective work being done, often causing serious set backs as well.
Depending on your leader, you can have a widely different experience. Those that take the time to help, support and guide their team often see much better results, and the volunteers can really learn new skills this way. On the other hand, those that do not provide true leadership will not see effective work being done, often causing serious set backs as well.
CHANGES
Simply put, the program does a great job for what it is and a lot of the things I would change are arguably either strengths or unfeasible. However, the most immediately correctable flaw with Habitat for Humanity is that there is no noon to 4:00pm shift, only 8:00am to noon/4:00pm. They could see a great increase in accessibility if they allowed that extra time slot, and it would be a great chance for the group to muster midday and create a plan of action for the afternoon.
HISTORY
Habitat for Humanity began as a Christian organization started by Millard and Linda Fuller to provide housing in one small town. Their model was so successful they brought their group to the Congo and built houses there as well. Seeing how things were going, the group gathered up and named themselves Habitat for Humanity, taking on a broader, international perspective. The group came into focus when President Jimmy Carter and his wife volunteered, which is why it is still immediately recognizable to this day.