Homelessness and Housing

Posts Tagged ‘Habitat’

Habitat for Humanity: The Fairest Charity of Them All

July 24th, 2011

There are numerous top charities out there today, and Habitat for Humanity is definitely among their ranks. The Habitat for Humanity program provides housing opportunities for low-income families. Considering the sheer number of people involved in its growth, it is of little surprise that this program has become so effective.

This charity is especially successful because those who benefit from it are expected to, in a sense, pay it forward. Individuals who are approved to receive a home through Habitat for Humanity are required to serve at least 350 hours of community service directed toward the growth of the program. Moreover, families who benefit from the program must agree to increase exposure through media outlets such as magazines, newspapers, and television.

The charity does not simply disperse “handouts” to those in need. Rather, assistance is only given to hardworking individuals who simply are not able to earn enough to afford a decent, safe place to house their families. Therefore, the program offers safe housing to low-income families. This housing is affordable (rather than free) as families are able to pay a low monthly mortgage which is completely interest free. In order to qualify for the program, an individual must make enough money to be able to pay the home off within a 30 year period.

So, how does one get involved in one of the world’s top charities? An individual may volunteer his/her time and energy as a builder for the Habitat program. Monetary and construction resource/equipment donations are encouraged to help keep the program alive and thriving. Recently, Habitat for Humanity has begun to encourage individuals to donate cars in a program tidily named “Cars for Homes.” When you donate your used car, the scrapped steel can be recycled and reused as building material for the program. Therefore, you are not only supporting your local Habitat program, but you are also preserving natural resources! It doesn’t get much better than that, folks!

What really makes this program one of the top charities in the world is the certainty and assurance that comes along with getting involved. When you donate your time or money, you know exactly who your resources are going to help, and in turn, you are building a better community for yourself as well as the next generation. The Habitat program has effectively built over 300,000 homes worldwide for underprivileged families, and that number is only climbing.

Simply put; any charity that comfortably houses over 1.5 million hardworking people while simultaneously preserving our earth’s natural resources is an asset to a world which is overflowing with poverty and pollution. If you are thinking about donating to a charity in the near future, you might strongly consider Habitat for Humanity. Furthermore, if you can’t contribute money, then consider donating some time! Without volunteers to build the Habitat homes, the program could not flourish. So maybe it’s time to wake up and decide that today is the day you become a part of one of the world’s top charities.

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What Can I Donate to Lakeland Habitat?

March 11th, 2011

If you are interested in becoming part of the Habitat for Humanity team, there are various ways to get involved. Regardless of your current economic status or your physical ability to contribute to the building of homes, there are ways for everybody to contribute.

Money donations are among the most valuable ways to give to this program. A gift of money can help provide the materials necessary to make the program as successful as possible. Among the materials that must be purchased in order to build (or renovate) a home include appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, smoke detectors, doors, bathroom essentials, lights, etc. Additionally, money is needed to supply the essential building gear such framing for newly built homes. If you decide to donate, you may do so at the program’s website, and you may choose between a one-time donation and a monthly contribution. The donation of building materials and working appliances is also encouraged.

You are also given the option to donate to the program in the name of somebody else. Therefore, if you are buying a gift for the person who already has everything, why not donate to a program which directly benefits his/her community? Additionally, as an alternative to receiving wedding gifts, some newlyweds may encourage wedding guests to donate to the program in their name.

Another way to contribute to the Lakeland habitat program is to sponsor a portable toilet for only $18 per week. Individuals might also choose to sponsor the toilet in the name of a friend as a means of providing a humorous, yet practical gift. It is important to keep in mind that every little bit helps, therefore, any contribution is small step to building a healthier, happier community.

Those who are not able to contribute money to the Lakeland habitat program may want to consider donating his/her time to the construction side of the program. Not only can volunteering to build homes for Habitat for Humanity be emotionally rewarding, but it may be an opportunity to improve physical health and well as meet similarly-minded individuals.

In a world where over 100 million people still remain homeless, it is important that we do our part as citizens and peers to support our individual communities. The Habitat for Humanity program effectively builds the framework which makes it possible for every member of any community to become involved. Too many of us look the other way when we see injustice and suffering, and it is time to join together as we strive to become an increasingly collectivist society. If everybody contributes a small amount to the program, we can catalyze a surprisingly large change, which will allow millions of families to live comfortably, responsibly, and happily.

There is truly some way for every individual to contribute to this program and give back to the community. Not to mention, of course, you will feel great for becoming a fundamental component in one of the largest community changing projects in the world.