Habitat for Humanity is an international housing charity dedicated to the elimination of poverty housing and homelessness around the world. Founded in 1976, and now working in over 90 countries around the world, Habitat for Humanity have built, repaired or renovated over 300,000 houses in partnership with people in need of safe, decent housing. Based on the notion of giving a hand up rather than a handout, homeowners must commit around 500 hours of “sweat equity” in the building of their house and others in the community. Homepartners work with Habitat for Humanity through a variety of responsible finance programmes and their repayments are recycled back into the local community to help build more affordable homes. To date over one and a half million people who would otherwise be living in appalling poverty have benefited by working with Habitat for Humanity and are now living in safe, permanent housing. In support there is a bring and buy sale at the Ex-Servicemens’ hall on the 7th March 2009 from 1-4 pm. www.habitatforhumanity.org.uk