Frequently Asked Questions

What is Habitat for Humanity?

Hawaii Habitat for Humanity Association (Hawaii Habitat) is part of Habitat for Humanity International, a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by helping families build and improve places to call home. Hawaii Habitat involves local businesses, churches, and individuals to invest in the improvement of their community.


What is the difference between Habitat for Humanity International, an Affiliate Support Organization, and a Habitat affiliate?

Habitat for Humanity International is the parent organization overseeing the operations of Habitat for Humanity State Support Organizations and Affiliates throughout the world, headquartered in Americus, GA. Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity today operates around the globe and has helped build, renovate, and repair more than 600,000 decent, affordable houses sheltering more than three million people worldwide.

Habitat for Humanity affiliates are independently run nonprofit organizations operating at a local level. Hawaii’s local affiliates provide safe, decent, affordable housing for hardworking low-income families through programs such as Hawaii Village Build, Homeownership, Home Preservation, and Disaster Recovery. Each affiliate coordinates all aspects of a Habitat for Humanity home, including fundraising, building, partner family selection, and mortgage servicing. Connect with Affiliates in Your Area. 

Hawaii Habitat is an Affiliate Support Organization which operates statewide to support five local affiliates through resource development, advocacy, disaster response, training, and technical assistance. 


What is Habitat for Humanity’s Homeownership Program?

Habitat for Humanity offers homeownership opportunities to families unable to obtain conventional house financing—generally, those whose income is 30 to 80 percent of the area’s median income and are living in inadequate housing conditions. In most cases, prospective Habitat homeowner families make a down payment and contribute 250 to 500 hours of “sweat equity” on the construction of their home or someone else’s home. Because Habitat houses are built using donations of land, material and labor, mortgage payments are kept affordable.

Learn More About Homeownership in Hawaii


How can I get involved?

No matter where you call home, there are many ways to get involved with Habitat for Humanity such as volunteering, advocating, and direct donations. Learn more about how to support Hawaii Habitat through:

Want to come to Hawaii to make an impact, learn about the culture, and make memories for a lifetime? Learn More About Hawaii Village Build.


What is a Habitat ReStore?

Habitat ReStores are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations that accept donations and sell home improvement items to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Find Your Local ReStore.

Where does Habitat for Humanity operate?

Habitat for Humanity works in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Habitat for Humanity’s headquarters is in Atlanta, GA.

Learn More About Habitat for Humanity in the United States.


What is the Hawaii Village Build (HVB) program?

Hawaii Village Build is an independently run volunteer program operated by Hawaii Habitat in partnership with Hawaii’s local affiliates. The program goal is to build strength, shelter and self-reliance in the communities of Hawaii. This program is open to the public on a global level. 

For a partner family, HVB provides a team of volunteers as helping hands to build a home with the family. 

For volunteers, HVB offers a way to travel for a good cause and explore Hawaii’s culture altogether.  

Learn More About Hawaii Village Build