Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that safe and affordable housing provides a path out of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 9.8 million people obtain safe and decent housing, along with the strength, stability and independence to build better lives. We believe a stable, secure home creates the foundation for change, giving people the opportunity to be healthier, happier and more secure and for children to be better nourished and better educated. We believe building a decent home provides much more than bricks and mortar – it provides real hope for the future. Habitat believes in giving people a hand-up not a hand out - building homes in partnership with families both in New Zealand and overseas. Through our Assisted Home Ownership program, families their time to build their own home or those of others together with Habitat’s expertise. We also provide a no-profit loan, which once repaid is reinvested to help other families in need of decent housing. At Habitat, we don’t just provide a roof – we build communities and hope. This includes disaster-preparedness and response, water supply and sanitation issues, and in some communities financial literacy and livelihood assistance.