Back to Church Partners . . .

• Churches see their ministry come alive when they reach out to help others.
• Building houses offers a unique opportunity for the church community to experience faith in new and exciting ways.
• Each house that Habitat builds is a concrete manifestation of love and hope that is visible throughout the community.

Building Beyond Our Differences--The Theology of the Hammer

Habitat for Humanity International is a Christian ministry that welcomes everyone – regardless of religious preference – to share our vision of a world without poverty housing. Habitat was founded with the idea of following Jesus' example of caring and compassion for all people. Therefore, Habitat stresses that everyone is welcome to participate with us as we build houses with people in need.

For more information on Habitat's theological foundations, please see Habitat as a Christian Ministry.

How Can My Church Help? 

Congregations and religious groups of all sizes can support Habitat for Humanity in a variety of ways.

• Churches and individuals can pray for those in need of decent shelter and for the ministry of Habitat for Humanity. Without the continuing prayers of millions of people, Habitat's work could not continue. A special emphasis on prayer is made each year on the third weekend in September when people around the world observe the International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat. 
• Congregations may participate in a local affiliate's Building On Faith event. During Building on Faith -- the week preceding the Day of Prayer -- Habitat affiliates dedicate a week to building especially with their church partners. 
• Congregations may make cash donations, offer in-kind goods and services, provide food for workers or support building projects in other ways.
• Congregations may raise funds and provide the labor to build a house. That is, a congregation may sponsor a house individually or join with another congregation to raise the money and build a house together.
• Congregations can host speakers on housing issues -- including representatives from a local Habitat affiliate -- to raise awareness of the need for decent housing. 
• Churches, like Habitat for Humanity affiliates, are asked to "tithe" -- to set aside one tenth of the Habitat construction money they raise to build Habitat houses in other countries, where construction costs are often much lower. 
• Congregations can support one of HFHI's international affiliates or an International Partner (a volunteer trained by HFHI to help international communities develop affiliates). Prayers, letters and financial support are vital to the success of HFHI's work in developing countries. 
• Congregations can involve children by planning special age-appropriate events and activities. Churches may wish to use "Under Construction," a Vacation Bible School curriculum that incorporates Habitat for Humanity in its theme.

Start Your Church Partnership

Thank you for your interest in Habitat for Humanity's work! Here are some tips for getting your congregation involved.

• Habitat for Humanity is organized locally through groups called affiliates. Contact your local Habitat affiliate to support Habitat's work in your area. For example, your congregation might provide volunteers, food, funding, or meeting or office space; or you may want to be part of Building on Faith. Use our affiliate search to find the contact information of an affiliate near you, or look in your local white pages under "Habitat for Humanity."
• If there isn't yet a Habitat for Humanity affiliate serving your area, your church can be instrumental in getting one started. For more information about starting a Habitat affiliate, please contact Habitat for Humanity International at (800) HABITAT.
• Several Christian denominations have created formal partnership agreements with HFHI. These denominational partnerships help pave the way for the churches within those denominations to begin or expand their support of Habitat's ministry. Contact your pastor and/or denominational leaders to find out if such a partnership exists for your denomination.
• Raise interest at your church by getting involved as an individual and sharing your experiences. Habitat also has resources available to help you share Habitat's vision with the members of your congregation.
• If you do not have any local contacts through a Habitat for Humanity affiliate or through your local church or denomination, the Church Relations department of HFHI can help you find a way to support the construction of a house with a family in need. Contact Church Relations at (800) 365-7990, or by e-mail at churchrelations@hfhi.org.

Return to Top of Page