Since 1976, Habitat has built more than 175,000 houses, providing shelter for nearly 900,000 people worldwide. Now at work in 100 countries, we are building a house every 26 minutes. By 2005, Habitat houses will be sheltering 1 million people.

This number, though large, do not compare to the 2 billion people worldwide who live in poverty housing. Habitat has not even come close to this number while the average American watches over 1,400 hours of TV a year. With a Habitat house taking from 8 to 10 months to build and only 720 hours in a month it would no take much of a contribution to make a large impact.

Habitat houses are modestly sized -- large enough for the homeowner's family's needs, but small enough to keep construction and maintenance costs to a minimum.

Habitat uses quality, locally available building materials. Trained staff members supervise Habitat house construction and educate volunteers and partner families. House designs reflect the local climate and culture.

The labor of volunteers and partner families, efficient building methods, modest house sizes and a no-profit, no-interest loan make it affordable for low-income people around the world to purchase a Habitat for Humanity house.