History
Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 in Americus, Georgia by a group of people who envisioned that:
What the poor need is not charity but capital, not caseworkers but co-workers.
This group developed the concept of partnership housing — where those in need of adequate shelter would work side by side with volunteers to build simple, decent houses.
Habitat for Humanity now works in nearly 100 countries and has built more than 350,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1.75 million people with simple, decent, affordable homes.
Habitat in Ireland
HFH Ireland was launched in November 2002 and is committed to addressing housing needs in Ireland as well as supporting international HFH projects around the world.
Why Ireland?
Habitat for Humanity wants to make a difference in Ireland not just by building and renovating affordable housing but by empowering people to take pride in homeownership by being actively involved in building and improving there local community.
In the current economic climate mortgages are even harder to come by for those on low income. There is urgent demand for simple, decent, low cost affordable housing in urban areas.
Strategy and Plan:
Habitat for Humanity Ireland has received planning permission for the building of 16 homes in Elmdale, Ballyfermot. The units will be three- bedroom houses, each with front and back gardens and a car parking space. These houses will be built with DCC, building sub- contractors and in partnership with selected families, volunteers and local communities. Priority for homeownership will be given to local people who are seeking an affordable home- ownership opportunity in the area.
Habitat for Humanity Ireland is presently preparing new partnerships with other charities, to propel the local programme in new directions here in Ireland. Working in partnership with other non- profit organisations allows Habitat for Humanity Ireland to serve the local community in Dublin more broadly and to have a greater impact in the alleviation of poverty housing and homelessness as we grow and establish our presence in Ireland. This will be the primary focus of our programme in 2010 and 2011.
Habitat for Humanity Ireland’s International Programme:
Habitat for Humanity Ireland supports the international efforts of Habitat for Humanity by sending teams of Irish volunteers overseas to help build homes through its Global Village programme. Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village programme has been in operation since 2004 and in that time has sent almost 1,250 volunteers to over 20 different countries in Africa, Asia, South America and Eastern Europe, raising over $2.88 million USD and building over 750 homes. Teams of volunteers come from schools, the corporate sector, universities and community groups as well as groups of individuals. Volunteers travel for two weeks to the host country, helping with the construction of the local houses, getting to know the local communities and cultures and raising funds for the host programme.
Charitable Status
HFH Ireland is an associate member of the Irish Council of Social Housing and has Approved Housing Body status from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Habitat for Humanity adheres to the Dóchas Code of conduct. Habitat is also a registered charity in Ireland (Registered Charity number: CHY15187).
