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Ever since Millard and Linda Fuller started building houses with the poor through a "partnership ministry" at Koinonia Farm, a Christian community in Georgia, U.S.A., the work of Habitat for Humanity has been carried out by various churches and faith-based communities worldwide. As the articles of incorporation of Habitat for Humanity International state, the first purpose of the organization is to ".witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world by working in cooperation with God's people in need to create a better habitat in which to live and work."
In the Philippines, the involvement of churches and faith-based communities with the housing ministry has been called "Building on Faith with Families." Through Habitat, churches and faith-based organizations can give tangible expression to the love of God through the work of eliminating poverty housing, and mobilize families to bring hope and transform the lives of needy families.
What can churches and faith-based organizations do?
- Pray. The housing ministry is difficult, and so we need your prayers.
- Volunteer to build. Organize a team from your church, parish or group to build at a Habitat site.
- Donate. Give cash or in kind. Building materials, electrical or bathroom fixtures, tools, even empty wooden crates (which can be transformed into doors, windows, and sleeping lofts) are most welcome. Click here to donate.
- Adopt a community. Regularly visit a Habitat community to share the word of God and discuss how it applies to their everyday lives, as persons, families, or as a community. Nurture families and help promote God-centered values. Design programs for livelihood, primary health care, proper waste management, etc.
- Coordinate volunteer efforts & donations. Designate someone from the church, parish or community to handle inquiries on volunteering, or to accept donations in Habitat's name for transmittal to us.
- Raise funds. Hold a special or second collection; put up a donation box; organize a fund-raising activity, like a concert of Gospel songs, to raise funds for a Habitat house.
- Educate and advocate. Raise the consciousness of other people-in your church, parish, or community, or even at work-on the difficulties faced by the poor in finding decent, durable, and affordable shelter. Advocate the Habitat ministry as a response to the problem of poverty housing in your area, whether it be building or renovating homes.
Indeed, there are so many ways by which churches and faith-based communities can help in the ministry of ending poverty housing. And, by doing so, they can become co-creators of God, manifesting the Good News of His redeeming love by helping build a new heaven and a new earth.
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