Frequently Asked Questions

Read some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Habitat for Humanity and its work around Zambia.

What is Habitat for Humanity Zambia?

Habitat for Humanity Zambia is a non-profit making housing organization affiliated to Habitat for Humanity International that works in local communities across all 50 states in the United States and in more than 70 countries around the world. Habitat for Humanity Zambia was established in 1984 and its vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat works toward this vision by building and improving homes in partnership with individuals and families in need of a decent and affordable place to live.

Where does Habitat for Humanity Zambia work?

The organization works in informal settlements within Lusaka, Chilanga and Kabwe districts targeting communities such as Makululu, Bauleni, Linda and Mapepe.

Who is eligible to benefit a housing unit from the Vulnerable Group Housing Project?

Our target groups are vulnerable households primarily the child headed households of 18 years and below. Our secondary beneficiaries are elderly aged persons of 60 years and above, low-income earners, who are widowed and people living with disability. These live within the projects operational areas

How are beneficiaries for the Vulnerable Group Housing Project selected?

Habitat for Humanity Zambia works in partnership with various project stakeholders of like-minded such as government departments and Community Based organizations and Community level leadership structures, who support in identification of target groups. The organization vet potential beneficiaries according to the standard selection criteria to ascertain their level of housing need

What kind of houses are built but Habitat for Humanity Zambia?

Habitat for Humanity Zambia builds 3-roomed low-cost houses each with separate VIP pit latrines and shower rooms in areas where there is no existing sewer system.

How does your housing mortgage program work?

Currently, Habitat for Humanity Zambia is not implementing the housing mortgage program. This program intervention was phased out few years ago.

How can one volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Zambia?
At Habitat Zambia, we have a volunteer program that provides an opportunity to the public to get involved in the work that we do:

  • Corporates – Through our employee volunteer program, corporates can be able to bring their staff members to corporately volunteer their time on site to help inn house and water point construction, solid waste management and other available work. This activity brings about a mutual benefit to HFHZ, the beneficiary community as well as the individual participating staff members on the institution. To the staff, this plays as a team building exercise and has other benefits such as publicity and corporate social responsibility.
  • Individuals – HFHZ also provides an opportunity to individuals to participate in the delivery of our field programming. For individuals, the opportunities go beyond house construction as they can also be part of our awareness raising and advocacy on Land rights for women, solid waste management and other work in line with our programming. Individuals can also take advantage of this opportunity to volunteer professional services according to their expertise. These services may include but not limited to Architectural services, marketing and media services, photography, research and admin related work. The opportunity to volunteer is not limited to Zambia citizens, it goes beyond borders.

Learn more on how to volunteer locally

One can volunteer Internationally through global village builds. Learn more about the Global Village builds

How does Habitat for Humanity Zambia work with beneficiary families?

HFHZ engages the beneficiary families from onset of project undertakings during  planning and implementation to ensure project ownership, and sustainability. During house construction activities, families are encouraged to contribute their sweat equity (energy, labour and local resources) towards construction of their houses.

How does Habitat for Humanity Zambia work with the Government of Zambia?

We facilitate platforms for positive dialogue with the local and central government as well as other stakeholders such as community members, civic leaders, Civil Society Organizations and cooperating partners to objectively interrogate policies and come up with viable recommendations to improve policy implementation.

How is Habitat for Humanity Zambia governing structure?

The Executive Board is a governing body of the organization composed of six (6) members charged with the responsibility of providing support and oversight to the organization in accordance with the organization’s policy guidelines.

How do I raise a concern?

You can anonymously send and receive messages related to your report by phone or via email to the following:

Learn more on how to raise a concern

How do I donate?

Yes, you can donate to Habitat for Humanity Zambia

Learn more on how to donate

Is Habitat for Humanity a Christian organization?

Yes, we are a global nonprofit Christian housing organization. All who desire to be a part of this work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background. We have a policy of building with people in need regardless of race or religion. We welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds

Learn more about Habitat’s history