Habitat for Humanity
By Shawchert
@Shawchert (1094)
United States
April 22, 2022 11:08pm CST
I have had the pleasure of working with Habitat for humanity. I was one of the "lucky" recipients of a new house.
Now, don't whine that I got a free house, I didn't I have a mortgage the same as everyone else. I pay the taxes, like everyone else, but what's different is, I had SWEAT equity which made it slightly cheaper than what I would have gotten for the house.
Everyone thinks that they up and give it to you, no. Absolutely not. That has never been the case, and never will be, but you have to work tooth and nail, not only with construction, but your own finances. Mine were pretty squared away and they just needed to polish my finances a little bit but I also had to learn about what it means to own a home, how to take care of the home, and what to expect before, during and after buying the house. Budgeting and all sorts of stuff was figured out over the course of 2 years.
There is a reason for this post and it's not to badger you all. I want to let people know that they don't give away the free houses and what they all do to help. I could not have gotten my house without their aid. With that I encourage those who may need a house, be it because you are nearing homeless, living with parents, or living in destitute homes, don't pass this up. The application process is in my opinion the most difficult. But so worth it.
Those of you who want to give, give to habitat for humanity, they usually have thrift stores call restores and they take just about anything in donations be it money clothes, furniture, apliances, etc. without that it wouldn't be the amazing program it is
So with that, what kind of non profit organizations have you had experience with, do you feel they are a help or a hinderance?
5 people like this
4 responses
@sulynsi (2671)
• Canada
23 Apr 22
Thank you for this very informative post. 
Yes, I've heard of this organization and have had the privilege of donating items to and financially supporting it, in my small way.
I absolutely love the idea - I've always understood their concept of 'sweat equity' and love it because not only does it NOT 'take advantage of others' it dignifies the recipient - gives the new owner a sense of pride, so properly.
It makes me think of the several of the laws in ancient Israel, given to the people by Jehovah.
The gleaning law allowed individuals who had fallen on hard times to have their needs met, but they didn't have to beg or feel beholden to others.
It also gave an opportunity to landowners whose financial position was better, to demonstrate generosity - we see this in the account of Ruth - how Boaz was not merely following the law, but taking the opportunity to go beyond the necessary and extend kindness. Jesus said there is more happiness in giving than in receiving, so anyone who showed this generosity was truly blessed.
I am delighted to hear from someone with the personal experience of benefiting from a really good idea. I like the idea also of micro loans to people in countries where $20.00 could help set them up in a small business that looks after their family. Then, when they can, they loan to others. This kind of community help just warms my heart and shows us what we are capable of when following the right principles.
Any pics? It would be so nice to see the results of your labors.
Yes, I've heard of this organization and have had the privilege of donating items to and financially supporting it, in my small way.
I absolutely love the idea - I've always understood their concept of 'sweat equity' and love it because not only does it NOT 'take advantage of others' it dignifies the recipient - gives the new owner a sense of pride, so properly.
It makes me think of the several of the laws in ancient Israel, given to the people by Jehovah.
The gleaning law allowed individuals who had fallen on hard times to have their needs met, but they didn't have to beg or feel beholden to others.
It also gave an opportunity to landowners whose financial position was better, to demonstrate generosity - we see this in the account of Ruth - how Boaz was not merely following the law, but taking the opportunity to go beyond the necessary and extend kindness. Jesus said there is more happiness in giving than in receiving, so anyone who showed this generosity was truly blessed.
I am delighted to hear from someone with the personal experience of benefiting from a really good idea. I like the idea also of micro loans to people in countries where $20.00 could help set them up in a small business that looks after their family. Then, when they can, they loan to others. This kind of community help just warms my heart and shows us what we are capable of when following the right principles.
Any pics? It would be so nice to see the results of your labors.3 people like this
@Shawchert (1094)
• United States
23 Apr 22
I was going to put a picture up and I forgot to when I posted it. I am still trying to remember how to edit my main post but I will get one up as soon as I can.
I am still in awe of everything they did and do for me and I feel absolutely proud! I just came from a build site today, though I'm done with my sweat equity but I'm giving back all the more. I really truly believe this program wants the best for everyone
1 person likes this
@Shawchert (1094)
• United States
23 Apr 22
I am way better off. I have more room, my own yard, no landlord, my bills are considerably lower since they have all energy efficient appliances. No draft... I am way better off and I can save the money I'm already saving for future repairs as well as whatever else I need.
2 people like this
@jstory07 (139742)
• Roseburg, Oregon
24 Apr 22
@Shawchert That is so nice. Good for you.
1 person likes this
@Chellezhere (5739)
• United States
27 Apr 22
Your house looks lovely. I am glad you could get settled in and enjoy Christmas in your own home (regardless of how long before Christmas you'd been in it). Habitat For Humanity is a welcoming program for those in need. And, I wonder how many people take the skills they have learned from their sweat equity and have applied them to perhaps more permanent, satisfying, and wealth-building work.
@mynameiskate (2574)
•
25 Apr 22
I like that idea. That sounds like a good plan. I guess it isn't a sure bet though? But I suppose the point is to give and not think about the receiving part that might come some day. Glad you got something you own. Hang on to it.
