Your Church and Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity was created to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus Christ and we welcome people from all walks of life to share in our mission. It is only natural that the church should be a primary partner in Habitat’s work.

There are as many ways to get involved with the ministry of Habitat as there are different God-given talents in each of us.  Here are just a few ways your congregation can help:

Pray, pray, pray!  Include the ministry of Habitat in your prayers. “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” - James 5:16

Help out with a house building construction project.These can range from taking part in construction, planting trees and gardens, painting, providing lunch, being a crew chief, and many more responsibilities. “We should use whatever gift we have received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” – I Peter 4:10

Volunteer at the Habitat office doing any number of helpful activities such as customer service, stocking inventory, clerical work, and picking up donated items. “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly” – Romans 12:6

Motivate your church to sponsor a house – This is the biggest and most tangible way for you and your church to make an impact in the community for thekingdom of God.  Make a commitment of time, energy, finances, and love, and become a sponsor congregation or partner with other churches to sponsor building a house for a family in need.  “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in… In as much as you did for the least of these, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:35, 40

Redwood River Habitat for Humanity, Inc. Awarded $25,000 Challenge Grant For Work With Churches

Redwood River Habitat for Humanity has been awarded a challenge grant that will add $25,000 to the nonprofit homebuilder’s revenue in 2007, allowing the affiliate to increase its ability to serve more low-income families in Lyon and Redwood Counties.

The Open Door Challenge Grants are awarded by Habitat for Humanity International’s Church Relations department to local Habitat affiliates that are working successfully to engage support from African-American churches, Willow Creek Association churches, churches in rural areas and the Catholic Daughters of America.

“Redwood River Habitat for Humanity is honored and grateful to have been selected for an Open Door Challenge Grant,” said Bruce Berg, Executive Director at Redwood River Habitat. “The spirit of the grant is to encourage us to reach out to new churches and to begin building strong foundations for new and lasting partnerships with our local congregations,” said Berg. “We are so proud of our church partners who are making a real difference in our community by working helping low-income families with simple, decent and affordable housing.”

Redwood River Habitat for Humanity will match the challenge grant with donations made by local church groups. The grant funds must be used toward the construction of a Habitat house by the end of 2007. The grants were made possible by a gift from an anonymous donor with a goal to increase Habitat’s work in communities, while motivating new supporters and volunteers from churches.

About Redwood River Habitat for Humanity:
 Redwood River Habitat for Humanity is an independent, nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that partners with people of all beliefs. Redwood River Habitat for Humanity has been an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International since 2000 and has built five homes.