Programme and House Design

No matter where they are built around the world, Habitat for Humanity houses are constructed according to the same guiding principles.

Habitat for Humanity houses are:
  • Simple – the houses are modestly sized; large enough for the homeowner family's needs, but small enough to keep construction and maintenance costs to a minimum.
  • Decent – we use quality building materials. Trained staff supervise construction and educate volunteers and partner families.
  • Appropriate – affiliates source building materials locally, and house designs reflect the local climate and culture.
  • Cost-effective – labour of volunteers and partner families, efficient building methods, modest house sizes and a no-profit, no-interest mortgage make it affordable for low-income people around the world to purchase a Habitat for Humanity house.