1.1 Purpose
This policy applies to Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations (Habitat for Humanity). The purpose of the policy is:
1. To provide internal and external clarity regarding Habitat for Humanity’s approach to humanitarian aid and development assistance as a Christian ministry;
2. To ensure alignment with recognized international standards on acceptable humanitarian aid and development assistance practices.
2.0 Policy
Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations (Habitat for Humanity) will not proselytize, nor will Habitat for Humanity work with entities or individuals who insist on proselytizing as part of their work with Habitat for Humanity. This means that Habitat for Humanity will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must (i) adhere to or convert to a particular faith or (ii) listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.
3.0 Rationale
Habitat for Humanity is a Christian ministry dedicated to a vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity conducts its programs in ways that are sensitive and respectful to the cultural context and the local faith community and reflect our belief that all are created in God’s image and deserve to be treated without discrimination.
Globally, faith-based organizations from all religions approach their work with a range of motivations that inform their development approach. This policy is intended to ensure that Habitat for Humanity conforms to recognized global standards that clearly state that agencies may not condition the receipt of assistance or participation in their work on any requirement that people listen and respond to a message intended to induce people to join a religious movement, political party, or other cause or organization.
Habitat for Humanity International’s motivation is to unite people around the concept of “putting God’s love into action” along with others from all faiths or with no faith convictions who are interested in helping those in need of improved shelter.
