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Habitat for Humanity

 * Today's article was written by Krystal William...



What comes to mind at the word 'habitat'? Most people's answer will be something in relation to animals, such as polar bears struggling with global warming or the rare birds of the Galapagos, whose natural habitat has been reduced or altered by human activity. What gets sidelined in such associations is the fact that humans need a place to live, too-and human habitat is a burning issue throughout the world today, from the most industrialized to the developing countries and everywhere in-between. The recognition of a need to assist fellow humans in getting a roof over their heads has no greater advocate than the world-renowned organization Habitat for Humanity.

What does Habitat for Humanity do?

Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 and now has branches in some 70 countries and all the states of the United States. Since its work started, the organization has collectively built over 800 thousand homes throughout the world-a number made even more impressive when you factor in the fact that each home was for a family and not for an individual.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been helped by the organization to obtain a place to call home, and hundreds of thousands of volunteers are behind the continuing success and beauty of the story. The most important element of the work Habitat for Humanity does is the sense of community it creates: gathering and donating materials and time and effort together in order to help out each other and be rewarded with an endurable legacy in the form of a home for a family that had heretofore struggled.

Contrary to many people's understanding, the homes built by Habitat for Humanity are not just giveaways that would teach the families in question complacency. On the contrary, obtaining a new or renovated home from the organization involves several hundred hours of labor as part of the home's construction, as well as mortgage payments and other financial obligations.

The organization is not in the business of simply giving out free homes-these homes are earned, worked for, built by the families that live in them afterwards. Instead of fostering a belief that things just come free in life, the approach taken by the Habitat for Humanity teaches perseverance, investment into work for a common goal, patience, and, of course, the practical skills involved.

Another myth associated with the organization deals with its adherence to a certain type of Christianity at the expense of others-importantly, while the organization is Christian, it is not linked to any particular church or denomination, nor are people of other faiths barred from participating in any way. The question for you now should be what you can do to help this organization or to participate in its work - the answer is simple: check out the Habitat for Humanity International website to find the branch nearest to you and start building someone's family home shortly.

Interestingly many businesses are supporters of non-profits like these. Veza Bands - for instance - an online retailer of cool, trendy and sporty awareness bracelets and wristbands, supports several charities including Habitat for Humanity ( http://www.vezabands.com/blue-on-white ), Global Fund for Women, Action Against Hunger, Operation Homefront, and many more. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity, you may visit Habitat for Humanity.




Find Dave and Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, their radio program, blog, and more at: http://brummet.ca * Support the Brummets by telling your friends, clicking those social networking buttons, or visiting the Brummet's Store - and help raise funds for charity as well! 
 
 

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