Building Hope by Building Homes: Steadfastly adhering to a philosophy of a "hand-up, not a hand-out," Habitat is a powerful engine of collaboration and reciprocity whereby those who qualify-- by having a history of steady income, verifiable need, and a willingness to work hard-- soon become involved in giving help to others. Interest-free mortgage payments go back to Habitat to help future homeowners. Through this proven and integrity-based strategy of making homeownership a reality, Habitat for Humanity has fundamentally changed lives in 90 countries, all 50 United States, and for more than 400 Partner Families right here in our community.