Chantel Pederson

HFH Hungary was founded in 1996, when former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and more than 500 volunteers built 10 homes within one week in Vac. Since then, Habitat for Humanity has helped 198 families to have a decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity Hungary is also involved in a repairs and renovations program for families who cannot afford to maintain their existing homes. According to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, 1.2 million people in the country live in overcrowded conditions. Single-room apartments are frequently shared by multiple families. Out of the almost 4 million homes in Hungary, more than 400,000 lack a water pipeline. Many homes have no sewage systems and some 670,000 lack a flush toilet.

A large segment of Hungarians fall through the cracks of government and social support. There are those in Hungary who live in third-world poverty, those who cannot afford regular monthly repayment for housing nor utilities.

A great part of the need for Habitat for Humanity Hungary’s individual repair projects stems from the high inflation of the 1990s. Home maintenance costs grew in that decade from 10 percent of the average Hungarian family’s income to about 50 percent, rendering many low-income families unable to look after their homes. Typical problems Habitat for Humanity Hungary addresses in this program include upgrading doors and windows, fixing roofs, changing sections of walls and adding bathrooms. Often these projects improve energy efficiency, leading to reduced environmental impact and lower energy bills for the homeowners.

Thrivent and Habitat:

No matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve to have a decent life. We deserve to feel strength and stability day after day. At Habitat for Humanity, this is what unites us. Through shelter, we empower. Building with Habitat for Humanity International is a profound experience for all involved. It’s not just sticks and blocks. It is tears and smiles, borne of hard work and faith.That’s why Thrivent Financial works with Habitat and it’s why we want to do more. Much more. Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity engages congregations, Thrivent members, Habitat affiliates, and individuals from across the United States and around the world to build hundreds of housing solutions per year for Habitat homeowners, directly reducing poverty housing around the world.Thrivent Financial’s mission as a membership organization of Christians is to guide people to be wise with money and live generously. Leading or participating in a Thrivent Builds Worldwide trip with Habitat is a prime way to put that mission in action.

About Thrivent Builds Worldwide:

The Thrivent Builds program combines the financial, volunteer, and advocacy resources of Thrivent Financial together with the affordable housing leadership of Habitat for Humanity. Thrivent Builds Worldwide teams are led by members of Thrivent Financial and build in communities both locally and around the world. To learn more, please visit www.thriventbuilds.com.

Global Village is Habitat for Humanity’s international volunteer program. Teams travel to over 40 countries to work alongside communities, build housing solutions, and experience local culture. Our goal is to change the lives of the people we serve, as well as the lives of the volunteers.

To join a team or learn more, visit www.habitat.org/gv.

About Habitat for Humanity International 

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.