Q: What is Habitat for Humanity International?
A: Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization.

We welcome all people to join us as we build simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with those who lack adequate shelter.

Since 1976, Habitat has built more than 175, 000 houses, and providing shelter for nearly 900,000 people worldwide. Now at work in 100 countries, we are building a house every 26 minutes. By 2005, Habitat houses will be sheltering 1 million people.

Local Habitat affiliates coordinate house building and select partner families.

Q: Is Habitat for Humanity SIUC Chapter a local affiliate?
A: No. We work in cooperation with the local affiliate, which is the Jackson/Union County Habitat for Humanity Chapter.

Q: How does the Habitat “thing” work?
A: Habitat houses are purchased by the homeowner families. Three factors make the houses affordable to low-income people worldwide:

• Houses are sold at no profit, with no interest charged on the mortgage
• Homeowners and volunteers build the houses under trained supervision
• Individuals, corporations, faith groups and others provide financial support.

Homeowner families are chosen according to their need; their ability to repay the no-profit, no-interest mortgage; and their willingness to work in partnership with Habitat. Habitat for Humanity does not discriminate according to race, religion or ethnic group.

Q: How much does a house cost?
A: The cost of a home varies greatly by region, but in Southern Illinois a decent home can be constructed for roughly $40,000. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates simple decent houses. Habitat holds the mortgage on the homes built; and new Habitat homeowners pay their “no-interest” loans back over 30 years. “Sweat equity” requires the homeowners to work with Habitat for hundreds of hours on their homes and other Habitat homes hand up, not a hand out. As a result, future homes are financed and the homeowners receive their new homes at a no-interest flat cost.

Q: How to get involved?
A: To get involved in Habitat for Humanity you may contact our Chapter or the local affiliate. Naturally, our Chapter has mostly student workers, who work and learn what it takes to build a house. You can join us on any of our work days, however we would like you to let us know in advance, so that we could schedule the right number of workers for specific jobs. Simply, go to our Work Days page and fill out the form.

Q: Do I have to be SIUC student/faculty/staff in order to work with your Chapter?
A: No. You have to be at least 16 years old and willing to work with us.

Q: Do I have to know construction in order to work with Habitat?
A: No. Learning is an integral part of work. We are teaching and learning at the same time. No experience needed – good will and fun is a must.

Q: Do you provide tools?
A: Yes. We provide all the tools, including safety tools, such as gloves, hardhats, glasses etc. We always have coolers with water and first-aid kits on sites. However, if you prefer to work using your own tool belt or tools you may use them.

Q: What should I wear?
A: Although we are involved in all possible stages of the construction process in all seasons of the year, we strongly recommend wearing hard shoes. Never wear sandals or flip-flops. Sometimes long sleeves, hats or caps, or even sunscreen is a must. The best way is to check regularly our web site or contact us before scheduled work day.

Q: Where do you get together before work?
A: We always meet in front of the Student Center and we go back to the same place after work.

Q: Do you provide transportation to and from the site?
A: Mostly yes. Sometimes, especially when there is a large group of workers, we can provide transportation only for some of us or we drive there in small groups.

Q: What are the hours of a Work Day?
A: Usually, we work on Saturdays between 8 AM and 12 PM. Sometimes, if a project needs to be finished, we keep going until the work is done. However, if you must leave at noon or earlier, you may do so.