Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 as an ecumenical organization committed to eliminating sub-standard housing. Habitat welcomes volunteers from all perspectives and backgrounds who want to partner with hardworking, low-income families to build hope and homes. The families learn construction skills and contribute “sweat equity”. The volunteer labor reduces the overall cost of construction. After move-in, the Partner Family repays all construction expenses over a 25-30 year term. The interest-free (0%) payback, is combined with donations from the larger community. These funds are recycled over and over to build more Habitat homes. More than 300,000 Habitat homes have been built world-wide.
Mission Principles for Habitat for Humanity:
- Demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus Christ.
- Advocate on behalf of those in need of decent shelter.
- Focus on shelter by building and renovating simple, decent and affordable houses.
- Engage broad community through inclusive leadership and diverse partnerships.
- Promote dignity through full partnership with Habitat homeowners and future partners.
- Promote transformational and sustainable community development.
Habitat for Humanity of Burlington, Iowa plans to work to make decent, affordable, and safe housing a matter of action and conscience. Acquisition of construction skills and pride of home ownership break the cycle of poverty one family at a time. Volunteers from all income levels, perspectives and walks of life, work together in equal partnership on the construction sites, and in committees.
The Habitat for Humanity of Burlington, Iowa group has sent in a Community Needs and Assets worksheet, and the staff at Habitat for Humanity International feel that Burlington would be a good fit for an affiliate. The next step was to form a 12 member Board of Directors, and fill out the 12 section application needed to be officially approved as a Habitat Affiliate. The Board of Directors is currently working on the application, as well as reaching out to volunteer and specialty groups and the general public to fill committee positions.
The Board of Directors is currently trying to fill the following Committees:
Construction Committee
The Construction Committee provides organization to the whole construction process for Habitat homes. Comprised of individuals with architecture, building trades, permitting and licensing and land development expertise who can help prepare land for development and the construction of Habitat homes. This committee would work together on all aspects of land development, including recommending the type of construction that will occur, developing and implementing the construction plan, and overseeing and managing the construction process. For more information on the Construction Committee please visit the Construction Committee Section.
Family Support Committee
The Family Support Committee helps partnering families prepare for home ownership by guiding them through the Habitat for Humanity ownership process. Members of this committee are also responsible for providing workshops and training sessions for the homeowner, as well as serving as a friend, mentor and advocate for the homeowner. For more information on the Family Support Committee please visit the Family Support Section.
Church Relations Committee
Churches are strong supporters of Habitat’s work and most affiliates begin by spreading the word about Habitat to local churches and church associations. If faith drives your connection with Habitat this is a good committee for you to join. Developing relations with churches is a long term initiative that involves contact, communication and feedback. Members of this committee will be responsible for sending letters to churches and pastors telling them about our local Habitat plans. They may also visit local churches and tell congregations of our work. For more information on the Church Relations Committee please visit the Church Relations Section.
Fund Raising Committee
The work of this Committee could be considered one of, if not the most, important parts of the local Habitat affiliate. Without the efforts of this committee the local affiliate cannot be successful in building homes without funds. If you are organized, like people and are enthusiastic about ending poverty housing you can make a big impact on this committee. Each new Habitat home costs about $50,000 to build, and we must generate a strong donation and support base if we are going to be successful in our ventures. For more information on the Fund Raising Committee please visit the Fund Raising Section.
If you are interested in serving on one of our Committees please see the appropriate section for contact information. Come help Habitat for Humanity of Burlington, Iowa build hope, one home at a time.
