At the surface, it may seem a little strange as to why someone would say that Habitat for Humanity is a bad thing. Is it not an organization that seeks to address the problem of lack of shelter and house people who cannot afford a house of their own? Yes, it is. However, just like any other large project, there are issues and dilemmas that need to be discussed. This article will aim at discussing different aspects of the topic of Habitat for Humanity by means of concerns and controversies surrounding it. Get ready for a balanced approach to a topic that is not as black and white as it may seem at first.
The Mechanics of Habitat for Humanity
It is hence important to know the workings of Habitat for Humanity before learning about the criticisms. Based in 1976, the organization erects houses for people who cannot afford decent houses with the help of volunteers and contribution. As for Habitat homes, these are not offered to partner families for free but are bought at zero profit and passed with a loan that is repaid on favorable terms. To be a partner family, one must also work for the hours required in building his or her home and other homes. Nevertheless, given this model, some operational features raise concerns.
Did you know? Habitat for Humanity has been able to erect more than 800,000 homes across the globe which has given shelter to over four million people.
Homeownership and Economic Consequences
Habitat for Humanity has its share of criticism especially on the economic aspect of homeownership. However, according to the critics, even such low-cost loans can be very stressful on families with unpredictable incomes. It is quite hard to meet payments at times of economic instability, thus questioning the sustainability of the financial status of these families. Moreover, although these houses are cheap, the costs of their repairs are equally, if not more, demanding on families that already had a hard time meeting their expenses.
But, the reply could be Maybe, any step toward homeownership is better than being in none, giving an opportunity to families to have a better future and have a home to build. What do you think?
Community Integration Concerns
Habitat new constructions always come up with new communities and this comes with its own set of issues. Critics have complained that habitat blocks sometimes have a different look from the other neighborhoods leading to tension within the neighborhood. The social cohesiveness is also not always well as the integration of new families into the community does not always go smoothly. Also, some have claimed that rather than concentrating on home construction, investments should enhance traditional societies by supporting their economies and enhancements.
Frankly speaking, these are the problems which may appear during the implementation of any large-scale project, and Habitat’s attempts to involve local communities to avoid these problems. But the conversation remains ongoing.
Volunteer Work and Labor Markets
Another issue of concern is the use of volunteer labor since the organization depends on it. This is because while it reduces the construction costs through volunteering, it creates more problems for local labor market. It is difficult for skilled workers to get employment because many of the tasks that skilled workers would have been employed to do are being done by volunteers. Some of the critics say this process is a way of achieving the short-term gain at the expense of the labor market.
Tip: Whenever volunteering, one should take into consideration the larger economic system in which they are participating.
The Question of Sustainability
Sustainability is a popular term nowadays and therefore, Habitat for Humanity is not beyond being questioned on the same. While the energy conserving homes are a positive change, some of the critical concerns raised by the critics include the carbon footprint of construction. Are the homes really sustainable if the environment that went into constructing them is not sustainable? The advocates suggest the need to enhance the application of green building and materials to enhance.
Handling the Bureaucratic Red Tape
Habitat for Humanity like any large organization is encumbered by a number of bureaucratic procedures. These can include acquisition of land and the necessary permits for construction among other things and these can be a hindrance to the progress of the project and quite annoying to the volunteers and the would-be homeowners. It is a maze of paperwork and at times it is quite frustrating.
Interesting fact: Habitat for Humanity affiliates comply with the building codes of the localities where they operate, thus creating another challenge for them.
FAQs: Answering Common Questions
Is it true that Habitat for Humanity hand over houses to people for free? The partner families buy houses at very low prices, and in order to buy them they make installment payments and also contribute their time and labor.
Who is eligible for Habitat for Humanity homes? Habitat for Humanity chooses the families which need housing, are able to afford a minimal mortgage payment, and willing to work in construction of the house.
Where does Habitat for Humanity’s funding come from? The organization’s funding comes from donation, grants and the re-payments of the loans from the partner families.
What are sweat equity hours? Sweat equity is the partner families’ responsibility to help in construction of their houses and other houses in exchange for hours worked.
Reflecting on Habitat’s Role
Now, is Habitat for Humanity a villain? In one light, the organization can no longer be said to be flawless but it continues to build homes and dreams for many people. Instead of pointing out flaws, these criticisms point to areas that could be improved.
Finally, thank you for coming along with me in this exercise. To read more such insightful articles, visit the other articles on this website.
