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Community is so much more than geography or boundaries. It is defined by relationship, by common experience, even the simple desire to share with those in need, regardless of where they live. A sense of global community within Habitat for Humanity is built in part by the affiliate tithe -- the sharing of a portion of an affiliate's resources with Habitat's work in another country.

Houston County Habitat for Humanity embraces their tithe commitment as a privilege, an opportunity to build with families beyond the immediate community. As a part of our covenant with Habitat for Humanity International, 10% of all undesignated private cash donations to HoCo Habitat are tithed to further the work of Habitat for Humanity International in other countries.

We are one of hundreds worldwide.

There are 2,322 HFHI affiliates around the world. No matter their location, their length of affiliation or their resources, each is encouraged to share a part of what is raised in their home country to help elsewhere. Often, those shared funds will build an entire house in the recipient country, sometimes more.

It is a matter of choice.

Affiliates can designate their funds for work in a specific country - or - contribute to the general "tithe pool" at HFHI, where 100 percent is then distributed to Habitat's worldwide work.

Tithing goes in multiple directions.

While U.S. affiliates long have helped to support work elsewhere, international affiliates also share from their resources, sometimes with affiliates in the United States. HFH Guatemala, for example, recently sent a $4,000 donation to be shared between two affiliates in Virginia and North Carolina. Having experienced the devastation of Hurricane Mitch in 1998, and the help that came to them from throughout the world, the people of Guatemala wanted to help the flood-ravaged U.S. Southeast in its recovery.

It is a beginning, born of faith, hope, love, and a shared goal that knows no boundaries.

Large and small, Habitat tithes represent so much more than funding. The tithe is a point of contact that transcends boundaries and provides practical real-time support for thousands of building projects around the world. In addition to tithed funding, relationship building between partner affiliates is an invaluable component. It picks up the threads of understanding we build within our own community and weaves them into the greater whole of the global community. Through tithing and “putting a face on it”, we embody the change we seek to see and be in the world.

It is a blessing.