Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), generally referred to as Habitat for Humanity or Habitat, is a U.S. non-governmental, and tax-exempt 501(C)(3) Christian nonprofit organization which seeks to build affordable housing.[1] It was founded in 1976 by couple Millard and Linda Fuller. The international operational headquarters are located in Americus, Georgia, United States, with the administrative headquarters located in Atlanta.[2] As of 2023, Habitat for Humanity operates in more than 70 countries.[3]
Habitat for Humanity works to help build and improve homes for families of low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds. Homes are built using volunteer labor, including that of Habitat homeowners through the practice of sweat equity, as well as paid contractors for certain construction or infrastructure activities as needed.[4] Habitat makes no profit from the sales.[2] In some locations outside the United States, Habitat for Humanity charges interest to protect against inflation, a policy that has been in place since 1986.
The organization operates with financial support from national governments, philanthropic foundations, corporations, and mass media companies.[5]
