Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles works in partnership with God, the community, and people in need by building and renovating homes to make affordable home ownership a matter of conscience and action.

Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller and is headquartered in Americus, Georgia. The Greater Los Angeles affiliate of HFH was founded in 1990. Affiliates are local 501(c)(3) organizations of HFHI that direct house-building work in their own communities. There are 1,700 US affiliates in all 50 states, plus more than 300 international affiliates in over 80 countries. Since 1976 HFHI has completed over 200,000 homes. HFH GLA has completed over 169 homes since 1990. Affiliates raise their own funds to build homes.

Where does HFH-GLA build?

The service area of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles encompasses a nearly 900 square-mile roughly bounded by the Ventura County line on the west, Mullholland Drive, Interstates 101 and 60 on the north, San Pedro and the Pacific Ocean beyond on the south, and the Orange county line on the east. This vast geographic area comprises 182 distinct urban and suburban communities: 51 cities including the City of Los Angeles ; 70 communities within the City of Los Angeles ; and 61 unincorporated areas in the County of Los Angeles . For a full listing, please click here.

Who controls and manages HFH GLA?

Each affiliate is an independently governed entity. HFH GLA has a Board of Directors (all volunteers) who conduct fundraising and set policy. In addition, HFH GLA has a full time professional staff to manage the daily operations of the affiliate.

How does it work?

Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, HFH GLA builds and renovates safe, affordable houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to the families at no profit and financed with affordable, no-interest loans.

A "Hand-Up" not a "Hand-Out"

Habitat is not a give-away program. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, first-time homeowners who meet the selection criteria of the Family Selection Committee invest 500 hours of their own labor ("sweat equity") into the building of their homes.

How does Habitat work with the Government?

Habitat does accept government funds for the acquisition of land or houses in need of rehabilitation. Habitat also accepts government funds for streets, utilities and administrative expenses. Habitat is a non-profit Christian housing ministry, not a government organization.

How does Habitat Fund its Building and Program Activity?

HFH GLA invites individuals, corporations, foundations, religious congregations or other organizations to "adopt" or sponsor a Habitat home or part of one. Through this partnership, sponsors supply funds to cover material and construction costs, permit fees and taxes. They also provide volunteers to work with the homeowners and skilled construction workers in the construction of the houses. Each affiliate raises its own funds to build houses. Affiliates also tithe a portion of unrestricted funds to HFHI to support the construction of homes around the world.

Who can build?

Anyone over the age of 16 can build at an HFH GLA construction site. No previous construction skill is required. Volunteers are scheduled for construction, committee and office needs through our Volunteer Page.

Is Habitat a Christian Organization?

Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian organization that does not identify with any one church or denomination. HFH partners with all people to put aside their differences and work together for a common goal.