Why is Habitat needed?

Nearly 2 billion people around the world live in slum housing, and more than 100 million are homeless. Habitat for Humanity is needed to help end poverty by providing simple, decent shelter.  Further, Habitat helps families change their futures by addressing housing through home ownership.

In the United States, 95 million people, or one third of the nation, have housing problems. These problems include payments greater than 30 percent of income, overcrowding, poor quality shelter and homelessness.

Close to home, the Research Triangle area has the highest per-capita income in the state. Because of this, it also has the most expensive rental market in NC. However, Durham also has the region's lowest home-ownership rate - nearly 20 percentage points lower than the statewide and national averages. As a result, many working families in Durham can only afford to live in substandard, unsafe and overcrowded rentals.

Habitat of Durham is committed to working in partnership with working families, local businesses, faith communities, community organizations and volunteers to build, repair and sell safe, decent and affordable homes. Habitat is a non-profit, Christian ministry founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. Habitat of Durham welcomes volunteers, homeowners and supporters from all background, regardless of race or religion.

Help Build It! Click here to get involved.