HFHP is now present in 20 provinces nationwide through 25 affiliates and 21 satellites. To date, it has built more than 15,000 houses throughout the country and is now building about 3,500 houses every year.

How does Habitat Work?
Land - obtained through donations from the government, private individuals or institutions, or through the government's Community Mortgage Program (CMP).

Construction - made possible through construction materials that are donated or sold at a discount by various sponsors; funding assistance from local or foreign sources; and labor from homepartners' "sweat equity," volunteers, and a minimal number of paid skilled workers.

Funding Scheme - the homepartner saves one-third of the cost of a full house or renovation to qualify for a matching loan from HFHI and "Friends of Habitat." Called "Save and Build," this helps potential homepartners better afford a house and to promote a savings culture among them.

Repayment - homepartners are encouraged to give back what HFHP spent for in building their homes in order to help other families by fully paying their mortgages within 10-15 years at a no-profit, no-interest basis. The amortizations would closely approximate what they had been paying in rent or what they can reasonably expect to pay in this length of time. These payments are pooled into a Fund for Humanity so that the amortization of one house will help build another ("House-for-a-House" principle).

What is "Adopt a Community"?
The "Adopt a Community" program pilots an approach in holistic community development as it aims to help eradicate slums and to change the landscape particularly in urban areas. HFHP builds alliances for community organizing and values formation, livelihood, savings promotion, health, safety and environment, and education, and obtains the help of the corporate sector through the "Save and Build" financing scheme to achieve this goal. In this way, HFHP not only builds houses but also builds communities.

How are Habitat homepartners selected?
Homepartners must belong to the lower 30% of economic strata and are chosen based on their level of need and their willingness to become partners in the program, including paying the amortizations. Families must willingly adhere to certain requirements like rendering sweat equity, attending meetings and prequalification seminars, etc., and participating in programs such as values formation, education, and livelihood training which are part of HFHP's community-building efforts.

What does a Habitat house cost?
On the average, a full house costs PhP 60,000. House renovation (b roof, four sturdy walls with windows and doors, and clean toilet/bath) would cost about PhP 35,000.

How are donations distributed and used?
Donations are used as designated by the donor. Undesignated gifts are used where most needed.

What are Habitat affiliates?
HFHP's work is accomplished at the community level by affiliates - independent, locally run, non-profit organizations guided by a covenant with HFHP. Each affiliate coordinates all aspects of Habitat home building in its local area - fund raising, building site selection, partner family selection and support, house construction and mortgage servicing. The National Office, on the other hand, provides information, training, and a variety of other support services to these affiliates, as well as monitors and evaluates their compliance with Habitat standards and principles.

How can I help?
You can be a Friend of Habitat
• as a company, group of friends, or an individual
• by donating cash or in-kind, particularly construction materials
• by volunteering to build or to provide other services in support of the ministry