Founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical, Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing from the world. Habitat seeks to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and personal action. Habitat builds new relationships and a sense of community as well as new housing.

Through tax-deductible donations of money, materials, and volunteer labor, Habitat builds and rehabilitates homes with the help of future homeowners. Houses are sold at no profit to partner families with no-interest mortgages issued over a fixed period. The homeowners small monthly mortgage payments which include taxes and insurance, are deposited in a revolving fund which supports the construction of more houses.

Habitat for Humanity of Jackson County, Indiana, Inc. was formed in August, 1993. It is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, International, and is a tax-deductible nonprofit Indiana corporation. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with varying occupations, living throughout Jackson County, Indiana. The Board pays for all its own expenses and professional services are donated. Therefore all funds raised in the community will be used for the acquisition of property and construction of housing for the poor.

Habitat for Humanity of Jackson County, Indiana, Inc. completed three houses in Jackson County, Indiana from 1993 through 1995.

Habitat is not a giveaway program, but is a joint venture in which those who benefit from the housing ministry are involved in the work at various levels. Each homeowner family is required to invest sweat equity hours into the construction of their home. This reduces the cost of the house, increases the pride of ownership among family members, and fosters the development of positive relationships with other persons.

Habitat does not accept government money for construction of new houses, renovation or repair of existing houses, or for the general operating expenses of projects. Habitat does, however, accept government funds for the acquisition of land, street, and utility improvements, or the donation of old houses needing rehabilitation, providing those donations have no provisions attached which would violate Habitat's principles.

A Family Selection Committee reviews each application received. If the applicants qualify by demonstrating a need for adequate shelter, an ability to pay for a Habitat home and a willingness to partner with Habitat, personal interviews are held. Every Habitat Affiliate strictly adheres to a policy of non-discrimination. Applicants who do not receive a home are free to re-apply. Habitat affiliates typically have had more qualified applicants than homes.

To qualify, a family must meet the following criteria:

1. Financial need
2. Present inadequate housing
3. Ability to make house payments
4. Willingness to partner (all Habitat families are required to contribute 400 hours of work towards building their house).