Faith

People of all faiths share a calling to reach out to those in need and to change the world. We embrace the shared call to make a difference in the world by eliminating poverty housing. While Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry, we welcome partners of all faiths and beliefs.

How Can My Congregation or Group Help?

You can get involved with Habitat for Humanity through a variety of ways. Please keep in mind involvement is not limited to our suggestions. No two partnerships are exactly alike. We encourage each congregation to be creative and incorporate the individuality of their community in how they decide to support Habitat for Humanity.

PRAY

Pray for the families, volunteers, donors, and staff working towards Habitat’s mission independently or as a congregation.
Lead a prayer at a construction build site, homeowner workshop, or home dedication ceremony.

DONATE

Support Habitat through fundraising and offerings.
Encourage members of your congregation to donate their gently-used appliances and furniture to our ReStore.

SERVE

Volunteer on a worksite with members of your congregation. No experience necessary!
Be an active participant in one of our many committees
Volunteer in our office or ReStore
Refer a homeowner candidate
Show your support to a new Habitat homeowner in your community by attending a home dedication ceremony
If you or any of your fellow members are skilled in construction, have them donate their talents as a crew leader on a build site

VOLUNTEER

Lend a hand on a construction site, help in our office and ReStore, or serve on a committee.
No previous experience is required.

FAMILY SUPPORT

Refer a homeowner candidate to us.
Show support for our homeowners by attending a home dedication ceremony.

EDUCATION & ADVOCACY

Invite a member of the Habitat staff, member of the congregation or a Habitat homeowner in to tell the story of Habitat and the need for decent housing in our community.

INVOLVE YOUTH

Have youth groups participate in advocacy for fair housing, run a fundraiser, or prepare lunches for the volunteers at the construction site.
Opportunities for SSL hours and internships also available.

Like most things, success certainly doesn’t happen overnight. We understand that good things take time and that it can be difficult for congregations of any size to jump right into a partnership with Habitat. One way to start with smaller steps is to assign a clergy or lay member of the congregation to serve as your representative and liaison. The representative would coordinate volunteer opportunities, keep abreast of Habitat news, and recruit members of the congregation to help us with our current projects.

If your congregation does wish to become a Faith Partner with us, please read over our Covenant Interest Form for more information. To become a Faith Partner or to get more information about our program contact our Faith Relations Coordinator at 301-990-0014 ext. 25 or at faith@habitat-mc.org.

To learn more about team builds and volunteering on a construction site, click here. To learn more about volunteering in general with Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, click here.

Benefits of Partnership

As much as we rely on YOUR support, we want you to see how we support your community as well. Here are some examples of how partnering with Habitat will benefit your faith community:

Helps people see God at work outside the four walls of the house of worship through hope and inspiration.
Builds unity within AND outside of the congregation.
Individuals can experience spiritual growth through their service to others.
Puts FAITH into ACTION.

“At the end of the afternoon the group has grown together and shared something big. It's not, ‘I did that,’ but rather, ‘Look what we got done today.’ I feel a part of something much bigger than myself: a circle of care which opens out to the family we have been building for and to all the other families in need of shelter. Thomas Merton says somewhere, 'The work could be a prayer.' I think that in this case, it is."

- Mary Rein, volunteer from Saint Camillus Catholic Church

"GPC and Habitat share similar values. Both exist to bear witness to the hope that is in Jesus Christ and to extend that compassionate love (in the form of affordable, safe, and decent housing) to all people, regardless of their race, religion, or culture. We want to offer a hand up, not a hand out. The practice of sweat-equity reminds us that we all are in community, and we all must help each other."

- Jerry Cleaver, volunteer from Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church

“At the end of the day, tired and dirty I felt so blessed to have had this opportunity to serve. On one of my days of service I was able to meet a soon to be homeowner and to hear her inspiring story and share her excitement of the new home she would have this fall."

- Carole, volunteer from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church