Thankful Thursdays: Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity believes that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. Habitat builds and repairs houses all over the world using volunteer labor and donations. Partner families then purchase these homes through no-profit, no-interest mortgage loans or innovative financing methods.  Read more about their vision and mission principles (http://www.habitat.org/how/mission_statement.aspx).

The world is currently experiencing a global housing crisis. There are nearly 2 billion people around the world who live in slum housing and more than 100 million who are homeless. Adequate housing is vitally important to the health of the world’s economies, communities and populations. If we are to succeed in the fight against poverty, we must support the expansion of housing both as policy and as practice. As a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry that builds with people in need regardless of race or religion, Habitat for Humanity helps by building or renovating simple, decent houses in partnership with those in need.

Furthermore, families left homeless by natural disasters, war and civil unrest often face dire housing situations as they struggle to rebuild their lives. Habitat for Humanity provides shelter and housing assistance to help these families recover. Because wouldn’t it be nice if we lived in a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

But it’s true when they say Habitat for Humanity builds more than homes. In the Cambodian village of Kor Tro Keat, a simple Habitat water project has changed the lives of the entire community.

Chen Phon, 47, lost his right leg decades ago in a landmine blast that also claimed much of his vision. For years, he had to walk great distances to get water to sustain his wife and child and their meager vegetable garden. In 2007, Habitat for Humanity Cambodia stepped in and provided cement, construction materials and building instructions for a well to serve Phon and all his neighbors.

Now, Phon’s garden provides plenty of food for his family, with enough left over to sell in the village market. The Phons also raise animals and chickens, allowing them to build a more secure future. Meanwhile, the health of the entire family has improved.

“The life of my family has changed so much,” Phon says. The well “has given me hope from my hopelessness.”

One small investment in a community pays off in healthier, happier families who can improve their livelihood options and provide a better future for their children.

Read more stories about “Why we build” and experience the impact of Habitat’s work here:  http://www.habitat.org/lc/stories_multimedia/why_we_build/SM_Why_We_Build_default.aspx

Habitat for Humanity has more than 1,500 local affiliates in the United States and more than 70 national organizations around the world. In total, the organization has helped to build or repair over 800,000 houses and serve more than 4 million people worldwide. Beyond that, Habitat develops and supports special programs to engage volunteers from all walks of life in Habitat’s mission and work.

Find your local Habitat for Humanity Affiliate here: http://www.habitat.org/how/affiliates.aspx

More information on volunteer programs: http://www.habitat.org/getinv/volunteer_programs.aspx

Getting Involved: http://www.habitat.org/getinv

Your donation helps to build affordable housing for families in need, providing them with shelter and the hope of a better life. VHT Studios has a pledged to donate to Habitat for Humanity because shelter from rain, wind and sun is a basic human need.

Donate Today: http://www.habitat.org/support