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Table of contents Table of contents ....................................................................................................................................................... 3

1. Open access ........................................................................................................................................................... 6 Knowledgebase resources ......................................................................................................................................... 6

Affiliate Sample Database .................................................................................................................................... 6 My.Habitat ............................................................................................................................................................ 6 Contact the Affiliate Support Center .................................................................................................................... 6

Human Resources tools and support ......................................................................................................................... 7 Internal Audit ............................................................................................................................................................ 7 Learning opportunities .............................................................................................................................................. 7

HabitatLearns.org ................................................................................................................................................. 7 New Affiliate Leader Orientation ......................................................................................................................... 7 Achieving Collaborative Capacity Through Executive Success ........................................................................... 8 Training conference calls ...................................................................................................................................... 8 Audio recording archive ....................................................................................................................................... 8 Free BoardSource membership ............................................................................................................................. 8

Merchandise .............................................................................................................................................................. 8 BuildBrand Store .................................................................................................................................................. 8 Habitat Store online .............................................................................................................................................. 8

Periodicals ................................................................................................................................................................. 9 Daily Media Report .............................................................................................................................................. 9 Habitat World ....................................................................................................................................................... 9 Program newsletters .............................................................................................................................................. 9 U.S. Office News .................................................................................................................................................. 9 Annual Report and Program Milestones ............................................................................................................... 9

Public relations tools and support.............................................................................................................................. 9 Crisis communication support .............................................................................................................................. 9 PhotoNet ............................................................................................................................................................. 10

Other ........................................................................................................................................................................ 10 Global Village trips ............................................................................................................................................. 10 State support organizations ................................................................................................................................. 10 Build Louder trips ............................................................................................................................................... 10 Governmental Relations Advocacy and online advocacy tool ............................................................................ 10 Online donation tool ........................................................................................................................................... 10 Habitat Young Professionals .............................................................................................................................. 11

2. Enrollment or application process.................................................................................................................... 12 A Brush with Kindness............................................................................................................................................ 12 Act! Speak! Build! Week ........................................................................................................................................ 12 Bank of America ..................................................................................................................................................... 12 Campus chapters ..................................................................................................................................................... 12 Learn and Build Experience .................................................................................................................................... 12 Youth United ........................................................................................................................................................... 13 Cars for Homes........................................................................................................................................................ 13 Cost Share Consultancy........................................................................................................................................... 13 Disaster Response ................................................................................................................................................... 13 Gifts in Kind ............................................................................................................................................................ 14 Global Faith Engagement ........................................................................................................................................ 14 Group insurance ...................................................................................................................................................... 14

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Home Builders Blitz ................................................................................................................................................ 14 Lowe’s grand openings ........................................................................................................................................... 15 Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative ................................................................................................................... 15 ReStore operational support .................................................................................................................................... 15

ReStore University .............................................................................................................................................. 15 Travelers surety bond program ................................................................................................................................ 16 Women Build .......................................................................................................................................................... 16

3. Technical expertise and support ...................................................................................................................... 17 Congressional outreach ........................................................................................................................................... 17 Construction Technologies ...................................................................................................................................... 17 Disaster Corps ......................................................................................................................................................... 17 Legal services .......................................................................................................................................................... 17 Marketing and brand support .................................................................................................................................. 18 Media relations support ........................................................................................................................................... 18 Affiliate Guide to Social Media .............................................................................................................................. 18 Planned Giving ........................................................................................................................................................ 18 Mortgage origination and servicing ......................................................................................................................... 18 Quality assurance .................................................................................................................................................... 18

Affiliate Covenant .............................................................................................................................................. 19 Quality Assurance Checklist ............................................................................................................................... 19 Quality assurance trends and validation ............................................................................................................. 19 Achieving good standing status .......................................................................................................................... 19 Crisis intervention and support ........................................................................................................................... 20

Tithe program .......................................................................................................................................................... 20 Latin America and the Caribbean ....................................................................................................................... 21 Europe, Middle East and Africa.......................................................................................................................... 21 Asia and the Pacific ............................................................................................................................................ 21

4. Mission growth ................................................................................................................................................... 22 Collegiate Challenge ............................................................................................................................................... 22 National Service ...................................................................................................................................................... 22

AmeriCorps National .......................................................................................................................................... 22 AmeriCorps VISTA ............................................................................................................................................ 22

Organizational development consultants ................................................................................................................. 22 RV Care-A-Vanners ................................................................................................................................................ 23

5. Funding resources .............................................................................................................................................. 24 Capacity Building .................................................................................................................................................... 24 FlexCAP .................................................................................................................................................................. 24 New Markets Tax Credits ........................................................................................................................................ 24 Repair Corps ............................................................................................................................................................ 24 Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program ................................................................................................... 24 Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity ............................................................................................................ 25

6. Recognition ......................................................................................................................................................... 26 Affiliates of Distinction ........................................................................................................................................... 26 Pioneers in Excellence FY12 .................................................................................................................................. 26

Affiliate of the Year ............................................................................................................................................ 26 Clarence Jordan Award ....................................................................................................................................... 26 Clive Rainey Lifetime Achievement Award ....................................................................................................... 26

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1. Open access Knowledgebase resources

Affiliate Sample Database The Affiliate Sample Database on My.Habitat is a growing collection of sample materials on fundraising, volunteer management, family support, ReStore operations, construction, committees, publicity and all other aspects of affiliate operations. The database includes more than 1,500 samples that are searchable by topic, capacity building level or geographic region. New samples are added weekly. Affiliates can submit their favorite materials as email attachments to affiliatesamples@habitat.org, along with an explanation and contact information. Affiliate samples can be found at my.habitat.org/kc/example.

My.Habitat My.Habitat.org is Habitat for Humanity’s extranet, where affiliated organizations share and discover useful

knowledge. More than 30,000 affiliate staff members and volunteers are able to use My.Habitat to find resources for daily operations, problem solving, research, planning, reporting and more. Users can personalize the home page to alert them to topics of interest. My.Habitat also provides access to many special applications, including Gifts in Kind, the BuildBrand Store, PhotoNet, the Quality Assurance Checklist and the calendar of events.

Users interested in a particular topic will find applicable policy, guidance, learning resources, legal advisories, forms, examples, videos, best practices and more. They are conveniently cross-referenced via the Knowledge Center:

• Advocacy • Awareness Raising • Community Development and Partnerships • Construction • Disaster Response • Family Services • Fundraising • Housing Finance • Operations and Governance • ReStore • Volunteer Engagement The human network behind My.Habitat comprises HFHI’s topic experts, who are continuously updating

thousands of online resources, publishing new material, producing periodicals and responding to users’ questions submitted via the Affiliate Support Center and online discussions.

Note: The first time you visit, My.Habitat you need to register; affiliated organizations can register at my.habitat.org.

Contact the Affiliate Support Center Habitat for Humanity International Affiliate Support Center 121 Habitat St., Americus, GA 31709 Telephone: 877-HFHI-HELP (877-434-4435) Fax: 229-928-4157 Email: USSupportCenter@habitat.org

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Human Resources tools and support Human Resources offers support on compensation counseling, recruitment assistance and other personnel issues, such as posting of affiliate job openings and employee relations advice.

Internal Audit Contact us to report suspected illegal or unethical activity or other concerns. Habitat for Humanity International has two hotlines to receive concerns related to its operations. Please select the correct hotline for making your report.

• Affiliate Support Center: For concerns relating to customer service, home partner applications, or other matters that do not involve suspected illegal or unethical activity, please contact the Habitat for Humanity Affiliate Support Center. Call toll-free 1-877-434-4435 8 a.m.-8 p.m. EST Monday through Friday, or email ussupportcenter@habitat.org.

• MySafeWorkplace®: For concerns of suspected illegal or unethical activity, such as alleged theft, fraud, dishonest conduct, discrimination, harassment, abuse of resources, conflicts of interest, or unsafe situations, please contact MySafeWorkplace® to make a confidential or anonymous report. MySafeWorkplace® is an independent, third-party service that promotes a strong ethical culture at Habitat, adheres to appropriate regulatory standards and supports the Christian mission of the ministry.

Reports of suspected illegal or unethical activity can be made to MySafeWorkplace® online at mysafeworkplace.com or by telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Learning opportunities

HabitatLearns.org HabitatLearns is a Web-based global learning portal focused on Habitat for Humanity’s mission to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. HabitatLearns has something for everyone interested in helping to eliminate poverty housing worldwide. On the HabitatLearns learning portal, you will find e-courses, articles and downloadable resources that address housing issues. E-courses cover such topics as affordable housing; finance; community development; housing and human settlement; board development; resource development; leadership and staff development; advocacy; family services; Habitat’s history, vision, and mission; disaster response; planning a Women Build; and Veterans Build. Affiliate staff can take advantage of professional development courses in topics related to common software applications, communications, leadership and other professional skills. For more information about HabitatLearns, go to HabitatLearns.org or email HabitatLearns@Habitat.org.

Learning events for affiliates are held across the country to enhance and increase individual and organizational capabilities. The national affiliate conference, which is held every other year, is a way for affiliate members to learn new skills, hear about emerging trends, connect with old friends and make new ones. The next conference is planned for March 2015 in Atlanta. Habitat on the Hill, a national legislative conference, is held each year in Washington, D.C. Other learning events are held throughout the year on such topics as neighborhood revitalization, capacity building, ReStores and house repair. All learning events are posted in the training calendar found on My.Habitat. For further information, please contact ustraining@habitat.org.

New Affiliate Leader Orientation Held quarterly, the New Affiliate Leader Orientation is a 2½-day Habitat orientation. NALO is most beneficial for those new to an affiliate leadership position, such as an executive director, board chair, staff member or board member, and for those who have been on the job at least three months. The orientation covers Habitat’s history and mission, the affiliate’s relationship to Habitat for Humanity International, resources available to affiliates from HFHI, effective board/staff relationships, and affiliate capacity building. Additionally, participants attend several workshops focused on affiliate operational topics. For more information, contact ustraining@habitat.org.

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Achieving Collaborative Capacity Through Executive Success ACCES is a customized executive educational leadership program designed for up to 35 Habitat for Humanity executives or their direct reports who have substantial leadership responsibilities. Taught by a faculty team from the Institute for Nonprofit Research, Education and Engagement at North Carolina State University, the program focuses on strengthening individual, affiliate and community capacity by addressing key executive challenges. The program is relevant, effective and accessible for busy Habitat executives. It includes two three-day on-campus sessions at the beginning and end of the program. Participants benefit not only from learning from their Habitat colleagues but also from working with a deeply experienced and qualified academic faculty in distance learning modules. They will develop a strategic outlook with practical approaches to moving themselves, their affiliate and their community ahead to serve more families. Questions about the next class? Please email ustraining@habitat.org.

Training conference calls Habitat for Humanity International’s Learning and Organizational Development department regularly hosts free training conference calls for U.S. affiliated organizations. More than 50 calls are offered annually, featuring affiliate guest panelists, practical advice and detailed handouts. Ten topic series are available: Leadership/Governance, Fundraising, Family Services/Selection, Finance and Financial Management, Volunteer Management, Construction and Sustainable Building, ReStore Operations, Communications and Marketing, Advocacy and Public Awareness, and Church Relations. To register, email confcalls@habitat.org. Please refer to the topic series you are interested in and include your name, title/role, affiliate/location and email address. The conference call schedule is at my.habitat.org/kc/news-detail/3924.

Audio recording archive For participants who miss a live training call, free audio recordings are available anytime. More than 300 recordings can be browsed by topic. The MP3 audio files can be played online, downloaded to your computer or transferred to an iPod. The recording archive is at my.habitat.org/kc/learning-resources/audio-recording.

Free BoardSource membership Habitat for Humanity International has a partnership with BoardSource that includes a free membership for all affiliate board members, committee members, staff and volunteers. Benefits include access to free webinars and digital publications. (The organizational membership expires on Oct. 31.) In addition, a digital library with eight BoardSource publications has been posted to My.Habitat, including “Recruiting a Stronger Board,” “Fundraising Fitness Toolkit for Board Members” and “Assessing and Supporting Your Chief Executive.” Register at boardsource.org/hfh.

The digital library is at my.habitat.org/kc/collection-detail/g35bf8.

Merchandise

BuildBrand Store The BuildBrand Store on My.Habitat is your resource for Habitat information and brand resources. You can build your extended Habitat logo, order business cards and other stationery, and find fact sheets, brochures, posters, DVDs and more. The site offers 20 items — with more to come — that you can customize with your affiliate’s name and contact information. Enter the BuildBrand Store by logging into my.habitat.org and clicking on the green “Store” tab.

Habitat Store online The Habitat Store online is the official retail site for Habitat for Humanity apparel and other branded merchandise. The site is open to the public. Affiliates can take advantage of special features such as a line of credit and quotes on affiliate customization.

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Visit habitatstoreonline.com to access the Habitat store, and select “Affiliate Resources” on the left to learn more about affiliate bulk purchases and branding. National Premium, the host company for the store, is also a promotional products company and is eager to work with affiliates to build the affiliate brand. For information on ordering items such as business cards and letterhead, please see the BuildBrand Store, available through My.Habitat.

Periodicals

Daily Media Report HFHI’s Daily Media Report is distributed via email to affiliated organizations that subscribe. The report includes a small sample of Habitat for Humanity-related stories that appear in media in the United States and around the world. The Daily Media Report is a great way for affiliates to read about events and happenings at other affiliates. It is also a useful tool to help provide ideas for creating media events. To be added to the Daily Media Report email list, email newsroom@habitat.org.

Habitat World Habitat World is the educational, informational and outreach publication of Habitat for Humanity International. The magazine, in print and online, seeks to further Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. As the organization’s flagship publication, its goal is to raise awareness of — and support for — Habitat’s impact around the world. Habitat World publishes online at magazine.habitat.org and hosts a frequently updated blog at habitat.org/blog. To subscribe to print editions, email HabitatWorld@habitat.org. To receive email alerts, sign up at habitat.org/hw/lyris_subscription_form.aspx.

Program newsletters Many of HFHI’s programs, including Global Village, RV Care-A-Vanners, Youth Programs, Disaster Response, ReStore and Women Build have monthly or quarterly e-newsletters that provide up-to-date, program-specific information. Visit habitat.org/cd/email/subscribe.aspx to sign up.

U.S. Office News The U.S. Office News is the main communications tool for giving affiliated organizations timely and relevant information such as grant opportunities, upcoming events, reporting deadlines and available resources, and is a critical tool for keeping affiliated partners informed. The format of this monthly electronic newsletter provides for a brief overview of a news item that includes a link to additional information, usually to content posted on My.Habitat. To subscribe to the U.S. Office News and invite board and staff members to join, go to habitat.org/html_newsletters/usoffice/subscribe.html.

Annual Report and Program Milestones HFHI’s Annual Report and Program Milestones offer important financial information and highlight Habitat's best work around the globe from the previous fiscal year. Filled with events to celebrate and programs to emulate, these are useful document to share with donors and staff.

Public relations tools and support

Crisis communication support As different parts of the Habitat whole, we are intricately interwoven. In order to protect the goodwill that has become synonymous with Habitat over three decades of building hope and homes, crisis communication support is provided to affiliates by HFHI’s Public Relations department. The Public Relations staff is trained to handle crisis

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issues and can help affiliated organizations formulate a plan to deal with negative attention. For more information or assistance, email newsroom@habitat.org.

PhotoNet PhotoNet is Habitat’s online photo archive. It contains thousands of photographs of Habitat’s work around the world. You will also find related images illustrating the need for improved housing, detail shots of tools and keys, and many other topics. New images are added daily, so check back often for photos to fit your needs. PhotoNet can be accessed at photonet.habitat.org or through My.Habitat. Look for the “PhotoNet” link in the top right corner of the page.

Other

Global Village trips The U.S.-based Global Village program sent 420 teams — made up of 5,200 volunteers — to work in countries around the world this year. In fiscal year 2012, Global Village donated $2.6 million to Habitat’s national offices and $900,000 to Habitat for Humanity International.

State support organizations Habitat for Humanity International is providing increased assistance to the 30 state support organizations in the United States.

State support organizations are established by the affiliates and typically focus on one or more of these activities:

• Raising additional funding and financial support for the affiliates in their states. • Advocating for improved policies for affordable housing. • Providing training and technical assistance to the affiliates in their states. • Disaster preparedness and response. For more information, visit the state support organization site at my.habitat.org/kc/sso.

Build Louder trips These special Global Village trips give participants an opportunity to expand their knowledge about Habitat and housing, and learn how to become better advocates for change and better team leaders. Team members work alongside members of the host community, raising awareness of the burden of poverty housing and the need for building decent, affordable housing worldwide.

Build Louder is Habitat for Humanity’s multiyear advocacy campaign focusing on the issues of neighborhood revitalization and secure tenure. For more information about the Build Louder campaign, visit habitat.org/takeaction.

Governmental Relations Advocacy and online advocacy tool With Habitat for Humanity’s online advocacy tool, affiliated organizations, volunteers and other supporters can become advocates for Habitat’s legislative priorities. Elected officials listen to the priorities of those they represent. You can have an impact on issues important to Habitat for Humanity by telling your members of Congress that you think affordable housing is important and by sending them email through the online advocacy tool. Take action today. Visit habitat.org/takeaction.

Online donation tool Your affiliate can accept credit card donations over the Internet — at no charge. HFHI developed this service specifically for the needs of Habitat affiliates. Your affiliate simply adds a link from your website that directs donors to a donation-processing page. Donors provide contact and credit card information, click a button to process their

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donation, and receive an email receipt within minutes. HFHI sends your affiliate the full donation, plus the donor’s name and contact information. HFHI pays the credit card processing fees for each donation. For more information, visit my.habitat.org/kc/faq-detail/2255/.

Habitat Young Professionals Habitat Young Professionals fill the gap of our volunteer continuum and mobilize the next generation of Habitat for Humanity volunteers, donors and leaders.

Habitat Young Professionals are making a name for themselves in every corner of the country. The groups are best suited for urban regions that have centralized workforce populations; there are more than 360 such metropolitan areas in the U.S. This opportunity represents latent potential for more than $9 million in direct financial support annually and 40,000 new Habitat for Humanity volunteers recruited every year.

Habitat Young Professionals use social networking, community outreach, fundraising and volunteer oversight. The groups fill the donor and volunteer gap between Habitat campus chapters and older supporters.

The short-term vision of Habitat Young Professionals is to raise money, awareness and volunteerism for Habitat for Humanity. In the long term, Habitat Young Professionals members will become ambassadors for the Habitat cause and take prominent roles on affiliates’ boards and in their communities. Habitat Young Professionals donors and supporters will continue giving beyond their young professional years, creating lifelong loyalty to Habitat for Humanity.

For more information, please contact buildlouder@habitat.org.

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2. Enrollment or application process

A Brush with Kindness A Brush with Kindness is a Habitat for Humanity home preservation program that offers exterior home improvement services such as painting, brush removal, landscaping and minor exterior repair to low-income homeowners. As an extension of Habitat’s core building program, ABWK makes repairs affordable through the use of volunteers, donated materials and no-interest loans.

ABWK is generously underwritten by Valspar, which also provides free paint to participating affiliates. For more information on how to get the ABWK program started at your affiliate, visit the ABWK page on My.Habitat at my.habitat.org/kc/construction/brush-with-kindness or email ABWK@habitat.org.

Act! Speak! Build! Week Act! Speak! Build! Week is a weeklong series of youth-led advocacy events. Young people, ages 5 to 25, work in partnership with local affiliates to plan and host events focused on ending poverty housing. Act! Speak! Build! Week goes beyond the build site as young people advocate for decent, affordable shelter by engaging elected officials and their community to eradicate poverty housing. Act! Speak! Build! Week serves to educate others by expanding the scope of Habitat’s mission from raising a hammer and raising funds to include raising a voice. For more information, visit habitatyouthprograms.org/actspeakbuild.

Bank of America As part of its partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Bank of America sponsors house builds and hosts interns with selected affiliates. Funding for traditional and special-event builds is restricted to markets selected by the donor. If Bank of America expresses interest in doing a build with your affiliate, HFHI will contact you.

Campus chapters Campus chapters are student-led, student-initiated organizations on high school or college campuses that partner with local Habitat affiliates to advocate, educate, build and fundraise. Chapters can help affiliates build a broader community of supporters — volunteers, donors and advocates — through students and their network as they help foster the growth of Habitat’s future leaders. For more information on the Campus Chapters program, visit habitatyouthprograms.org/campuschapters.

Learn and Build Experience These trips bring together 16- to 18-year-olds to work with and learn more about Habitat. In 2012, 110 participants, including 30 alumni, participated in seven Learn and Build Experience trips. The 80 first-time participants spent at least 50 hours building and 30 hours learning about poverty housing and Habitat’s efforts to eradicate it. Students worked in Franklin, West Virginia; Georgetown, South Carolina; Americus and Albany, Georgia; Battle Creek, Michigan; and Beius and Baltesti, Romania. The program is underwritten by State Farm. For more information, go to habitatyouthprograms.org/learn_build_experience.

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Youth United Youth United is a youth-led, affiliate-driven program developed and supported by HFHI’s Youth Programs department. Youth United mobilizes people ages 5 to 25 in Habitat for Humanity’s mission of eliminating poverty housing. Affiliates engage young people through education, advocacy, fundraising and building. Youth United creates a sustainable volunteer base through development of youth leaders who are advocates of decent, affordable housing. Affiliates can contact Youth United coordinators to discuss starting a program in their area. For more information, visit habitat.org/youthprograms/parent_teacher_leader/youth_united/yu_default.aspx.

Cars for Homes Cars for Homes is Habitat’s national vehicle donation program, which generates mission awareness, attracts new donors, and raises funds from the sale of donated cars, trucks, boats, RVs and other vehicles. Net proceeds from the sale of vehicles donated from any affiliate service area are distributed to that local affiliate.

Cars for Homes has distributed more than $14.5 million to affiliates, including $100,000 for disaster relief in Louisiana, Alabama and Missouri; $190,000 for the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Projects in Haiti; $390,000 for grants in 21 states; and more than $6,000 for international affiliates.

Affiliates can maximize the benefits of this program by promoting car donations through Web optimization and social media, affiliate newsletters and events, and in partnership with local media. Cars for Homes offers a complete portfolio of easy-to-use marketing resources and proven methods for affiliates to market the program. For more information, visit my.habitat.org/kc/fundraising/cars-for-homes.

Cost Share Consultancy Many valuable resources are available to all affiliates by calling the Affiliate Support Center. For affiliates with more in-depth needs, the Cost Share Consultancy Program is an option. This program is designed to help affiliates increase the number of families they serve, increase their operational capacity, receive suggestions from subject matter experts in the Habitat family or accomplish a specific goal for which they need assistance. Through services provided by a diverse team of highly skilled consultants, the affiliate and consultant will determine best strategies and tools to assist affiliates in growing as effective leaders and advocates for affordable housing in their communities. The affiliate will share in the costs of a consultant or subject matter expert.

Disaster Response The year 2011 was a historic one in terms of federal disaster declarations (99, the highest) and insured losses ($35 billion, second highest).

Across the country, communities were hit by tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, damaging winds and other natural hazards. Habitat for Humanity International’s Disaster Response department provided resources and support to affiliates in these communities so they could support local long-term recovery efforts.

One of the key resources provided to the field came from the Disaster Corps program, which provided 6,384 hours of service from skilled volunteers to affiliates in FY12. Habitat affiliates also partnered with faith-based and community organizations to serve 457 disaster-affected families with repairs, rehabs and new construction.

Many of these affiliates continue to meet the increased housing needs in their communities, including such areas as Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Minot, North Dakota; and Joplin, Missouri. Habitat for Humanity International also set up the On the Road to Recovery program for Habitat staffers to participate in these rebuilding efforts. Fourteen employees used their mission leave time to volunteer with affiliates doing disaster-response work.

Additional disaster response information and resources can be found at my.habitat.org/kc/disaster-response.

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Gifts in Kind HFHI has established partnerships with some of the most well-known manufacturers and offers U.S. affiliates the opportunity to receive free and discounted products. To find information on partners and products, visit the Gifts in Kind catalog at my.habitat.org/gik. Use these free products to reduce your overall building costs without compromising the quality of what’s offered inside and outside of your homes.

Global Faith Engagement The Church Relations program is a key element of the Global Faith Engagement department, providing support and technical assistance to affiliates and churches worldwide.

Through its annual Building on Faith emphasis, Church Relations helps Habitat groups around the world celebrate church partnerships and gives churches an opportunity to simultaneously proclaim a sermon of God’s love. The Church Relations department also promotes the annual International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat, observed each year on the third Sunday in September, when Habitat supporters around the world are urged to pray for those in need of shelter.

By developing and promoting other campaigns such as an Apostles Build or a Lent Build, the Church Relations department helps Habitat groups create building opportunities tailored to attract specific church support. Church Relations staff members also connect churches in developing countries with churches that can provide more financial resources through the Global Church Partnership program. The goal for these partnerships is to create a plan for holistic ministry based on the needs of the community.

Additional information can be found at my.habitat.org/kc/community-development/faith-engagement.

Group insurance The Habitat for Humanity affiliate insurance program is administered by Lockton Risk Services, also known as Lockton Affinity. Lockton Affinity is an industry leader in program administration because it is able to process a high volume of policies, certificates and premium billings. Participating affiliates can leverage their purchasing power and spread their risk under master (group) policies for general liability, property, builder’s risk, directors and officers; liability, medical and disability for volunteers; and umbrella coverage. They also can obtain their auto and workers’ compensation coverage through the program.

For more information, please go to hfhaffiliateinsurance.com or contact Lockton Affinity at 888-553-9002. A password is required to access the website. The password is available at my.habitat.org/kc/faq-detail/g32bb5.

Lockton Affinity provides a wealth of safety and loss-control resources on its site for Habitat-affiliated organizations, including information about loss control on job-site accidents, techniques to help your affiliate prevent unsafe situations, and online training modules. Online training topics include fall protection; portable power tool safety; personal protection equipment and hazard assessment and selection; scaffolds; construction; and slips, trips and falls. Check back often; additional articles and training modules are added regularly.

Visit hfhaffiliateinsurance.com to download short articles about safety and loss control. Lockton Affinity has created an online safety course volunteers can take before arriving on the worksite. The

new course presents detailed information on a wide range of common safety risks. Direct your volunteers to hfhvolunteerinsurance.com. Everything they need to get started is right there. The website for volunteers does not require a password.

Home Builders Blitz Home Builders Blitz 2014 is a partnership between Habitat for Humanity and the building industry to build, rehab and repair hundreds of homes across the country in five days. The National Association of Home Builders encourages its members to participate. The Blitz is the brainchild of Tom Gipson, who in 2002 partnered with his

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local Habitat affiliate to recruit 12 professional homebuilders to build one house each in a five-day period, using donated as much as possible.

Home Builders Blitz became a national event in 2006 and was the largest single homebuilding event in Habitat for Humanity’s history. National events also were held in 2008 and 2012. More than 1,067 homes have been constructed during these blitzes.

Lowe’s grand openings At a Lowe’s store grand opening, the local Habitat affiliate (matched by ZIP code) is invited to participate in a fundraising event. For every gift card purchased by customers at the store opening, Lowe’s will match with a gift card to the affiliate, up to $5,000. Affiliates will be contacted by HFHI if this opportunity arises in their community.

Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative The Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative seeks to renew entire communities, house by house, block by block and neighborhood by neighborhood.

NRI affiliates tailor their work to the aspirations and dreams of residents, who take leadership roles in the revitalization. The program relies on partners, from churches to businesses, civic groups to neighborhood associations to transform communities into safe and inviting places with decent housing, good schools and well-kept parks.

Though new construction continues to play a vital role in NRI, other housing solutions, including critical home repair, rehabs and weatherization, allow Habitat to serve more families.

Affiliates interested in learning more about the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative should go to my.habitat.org/kc/home/nri or contact NRI@habitat.org.

ReStore operational support Information to support ReStores is available on My.Habitat, including documents and guidance categorized by the five P’s of ReStore: people, place, product, promotion and performance management. Collections of resource documents for new stores and relocations are also available to guide affiliates that are interested in opening or relocating a ReStore. These collections provide an outline of the process, a business plan template and a basic startup manual to ensure that your affiliate has the necessary infrastructure before launching a retail store. HFHI holds training for new ReStore staff multiple times a year. For more information, see the ReStore University training section.

The ReStore Support Group is available to provide support on operating procedures. For more information, visit the ReStore home page at my.habitat.org/kc/home/restore or email restore@habitat.org.

ReStore University • ReStore University 101: The “ReStore University 101 Workbook: Intro to the ReStore” is a self-guided

workbook that includes worksheets and resource documents that cover the basics of running a ReStore. Like our in-person training events, the workbook is organized by the five P’s: people, product, place, promotion and performance management.

• ReStore University 201: Held each quarter, “ReStore University 201: ReStore Fundamentals” is a five-day training hosted by the HFHI ReStore Support Group. These sessions build on the lessons learned in the 101 Workbook with instruction from certified ReStore trainers that include interactive lessons, ReStore tours and networking sessions.

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Travelers surety bond program Habitat affiliates around the country are frequently required by various local government authorities to provide surety bonds relating to homebuilding projects. To facilitate this process, HFHI established a surety bond program with Travelers Casualty and Surety Co. of America. Under the program, affiliates can obtain surety bonds for their projects quickly and affordably without the need for individual underwriting of each bond. The program is made possible through a line of credit HFHI gets from Travelers. Wells Fargo Insurance Services is the broker for the bonds. For more information, contact Wells Fargo Insurance Services at 800-824-9245.

Women Build Women Build encourages women to make a difference by building homes and communities. HFHI’s Women Build department offers a variety of resources to affiliates in the form of competitive grants, workshops and media support. All Women Build affiliates can receive promotional merchandise (T-shirts, hats, etc.) for their Women Build volunteers.

Lowe’s underwrites the Women Build program and in 2008 added its generous support to the annual National Women Build Week celebration.

Application periods for Women Build grants are announced on My.Habitat. Affiliates should be aware that Women Build grant applications are by invitation only. They are extremely competitive, because the number of interested affiliates far exceeds the number of grants available.

For updates on grant opportunities and applications for National Women Build Week, visit my.habitat.org/kc/volunteer-engagement/women-build or send an email to womenbuild@habitat.org.

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3. Technical expertise and support

The following is a sample of the technical expertise offered to Habitat-affiliated organizations in the U.S. For a comprehensive view of HFHI technical support, please visit My.Habitat.

Congressional outreach HFHI’s Government Relations and Advocacy Office provides one-on-one support to affiliated organizations dealing with Congress and provides technical assistance on a variety of policy advocacy issues.

Recent technical assistance has been provided on: • Advocacy planning at the state or local level . • Advocacy activity, such as a state lobbying day. • Input on local or state legislation (either proposed or introduced). • Training resources on advocacy and lobbying. GRA staff can consult with your affiliate via phone, email or in person. Contact information for the GRA can be

found at my.habitat.org/kc/home/build-louder.

Construction Technologies The Construction Technologies department strives to make available to affiliates up-to-date information on new technologies, processes and procedures in the construction field. It pays special attention to the “green,” sustainable movement and assists with design, rehabs, weatherization and new construction. It also offers technical assistance in Neighborhood Stabilization Program construction and in leadership, volunteer management and project management.

For more information, visit my.habitat.org/kc/construction/sustainable-building.

Disaster Corps Members of the Disaster Corps are recruited, selected and trained volunteers who have the ability to work in physically and mentally challenging conditions while maintaining cultural sensitivity and being a positive representative of Habitat for Humanity. Disaster Corps volunteers are trained in logistics, resource development, community development, construction, project management, volunteer management and many other areas.

Disaster Corps can mobilize to respond to short-term needs and aid in long-term recovery activities, increasing an affiliated organization’s overall ability to respond and assist more families nationwide. To learn more, visit habitat.org/disaster/disaster_corps or email disastercorps@habitat.org.

Legal services The first point of contact on any legal matter should be Nill Toulme, associate general counsel, at ntoulme@habitat.org.

Additionally, Ford & Harrison, a national labor and employment law firm, provides pro-bono legal services for Habitat for Humanity affiliates in states where it has offices. The law firm has18 offices: Atlanta; Asheville, N.C.; Birmingham, Ala.; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Jacksonville, Fla.; Los Angeles; Melbourne, Fla.; Miami; Memphis,

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Tenn.; Minneapolis, Minn.; New York; Orlando, Fla.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Spartanburg, S.C.; Tampa, Fla.; and Washington, D.C.

The firm focuses on traditional labor issues and employment, business immigration, employee benefits and litigation. Ford & Harrison also assists clients with preventive measures, including audits, management and employee training, and policy review. For more information, please visit fordharrison.com.

Marketing and brand support HFHI’s Brand Strategy and Special Initiatives department can assist affiliates with marketing resources and materials and provides guidance and support on questions about proper use of their extended Habitat logo. Marketing and brand resources, including the newly revised Brand Builder’s Handbook, and updates on current promotional efforts, including public service announcement campaigns and special initiatives, are available at my.habitat.org/kc/awareness-raising/habitat-identity. Affiliates can contact the department directly by emailing marketing@habitat.org.

Media relations support HFHI’s Public Relations and Media Relations department is available to assist affiliates with preparing media plans, news releases and lists; to provide guidance and support during crises; and to review talking points, press releases, etc. Lists of local media are available.

A current media list is a valuable tool for a successful public relations plan. For more information, email newsroom@habitat.org.

Affiliate Guide to Social Media Habitat for Humanity International’s Affiliate Guide to Social Media offers an introduction to the basics of social media. Learn how to tell Habitat’s story, inform, inspire and invite people to be a part of the conversation. The guide is available at my.habitat.org/kc/download-detail/g30de3.

Planned Giving HFHI has dedicated staff members to help you at any stage of your planned giving program, whether you already have an established program or are thinking about one. You can find 18 e-brochures and more than 100 articles on planned giving at gftpln.org/Home.do?orgId=901.

Take some time to review the planned giving website. You can reach HFHI’s Planned Giving staff at PlannedGiving@habitat.org.

Mortgage origination and servicing Mortgage Procedures and Regulations provides guidance and support to affiliates on the mortgage process from origination to servicing.

The MPAR program offers affiliates several distinct but related resource collections on the MPAR homepage, my.habitat.org/kc/home/mpar. These resources are useful for improving the origination and servicing of mortgage loans. The initiative is supported by HFHI staff members who are directly involved with affiliates or the mortgage process.

Quality assurance The Quality Assurance Checklist and Affiliate Covenant are submitted annually to Habitat For Humanity International.

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Habitat for Humanity International’s purpose is to support affiliated organizations so that you and your partners can reach more families in your neighborhoods and beyond. Part of that support involves preserving the integrity of this ministry, because, as Habitat family members, we are intricately interwoven.

As such, the Quality Assurance Program was created to help protect the goodwill that has become synonymous with Habitat over three decades of building hope and homes. The quality assurance building blocks — U.S. Affiliation Agreement, Affiliate Covenant, Quality Assurance Checklist and Policy Handbook — will safeguard the ministry for future generations. Learn more at my.habitat.org/kc/home/quality-assurance.

Affiliate Covenant The covenant is the foundational document between Habitat for Humanity International and affiliates and continues to be the guiding spiritual and philosophical document.

Core tenets of Habitat for Humanity: • Christian identity • Homeownership • Homeowner selection • Sweat equity • Tithe • Integrity

Quality Assurance Checklist The Quality Assurance Checklist outlines the minimum standards upon which strong U.S. affiliates are built. These minimum standards include Habitat for Humanity’s core tenets, legal requirements, and items identified through years of experience conducting organizational reviews and feedback shared by affiliates across the country.

Each year, HFHI requires all U.S. affiliates review and complete the Quality Assurance Checklist and U.S. Affiliated Organization Covenant. This practice represents HFHI’s commitment to consistency and performance. It also allows local boards to reconnect with the guiding principles of the ministry and identify strengths and areas needing improvement.

HFHI has created samples and compiled resources, including a Quality Assurance Checklist Affiliate Support Guide, to help affiliates meet program requirements. You can find this guide and other supporting materials at my.habitat.org/kc/page-detail/g346ce/.

For more information, visit My.Habitat.org or contact the Affiliate Support Center at 877- HFHI-HELP (877-434-4435).

Quality assurance trends and validation Each year, Habitat for Humanity’s Quality Assurance Team randomly samples a segment of the affiliates that submitted the Quality Assurance Checklist during the previous period to validate that the data gathered accurately reflect the U.S. affiliate population.

Participating affiliates support the work of the entire organization by helping to identify state trends and shape future training and technical resources offered by HFHI.

Achieving good standing status To be in good standing and eligible to participate in the many grant and funding opportunities that come through Habitat for Humanity International, affiliates must adhere to and comply with minimum requirements.

An affiliate in good standing: • Conducts its work in accordance with the core tenets of Habitat for Humanity. • Signs and adheres to the U.S. Affiliation Agreement. • Completes the Quality Assurance Checklist during the most recent period.

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• Submits the quarterly Affiliate Statistical Report and House Production Report during the most recent period.

In addition to a status of good standing, other compliance or reporting requirements might be related to your affiliate’s participation in an HFHI grant, program or other HFHI-sponsored event.

Resources on good standing resources can be found at http://my.habitat.org/kc/collection-detail/g32bd6.

Crisis intervention and support The Risk Prevention and Support Unit provides organizational support for affiliates experiencing crises such as embezzlement, fraud or sudden change. RPRU analysts work with affiliate leadership and in partnership with other HFHI departments such as Communications to assist affiliates as they navigate difficult situations.

For more information, contact the Affiliate Support Center at 877-HFHI-HELP.

Tithe program At a home dedication in Zaire in 1979, Habitat’s founder, Millard Fuller, received the first $200 tithe, which he used to help launch a new Habitat affiliate in Aguacatan, Guatemala. From that one donation, the entire Habitat tithe program grew.

Through Habitat’s tithe program, affiliates are not only eliminating poverty housing from their own communities but also eliminating poverty housing from communities around the world. Tithing within Habitat also ensures that funding reaches the countries that have the greatest need.

Today, U.S. affiliates tithe millions of dollars to serve families in all corners of the globe, and 100 percent of those gifts still benefit families outside the United States. In the 30 years of the tithe program, affiliates have tithed almost $200 million.

Tithe fundamentals: • All U.S. affiliates are expected to tithe annually. • As defined in the U.S. Affiliation Agreement and Quality Assurance checklist, U.S. affiliates are to give at

least 10 percent of their annual undesignated funds to support programs in developing countries where Habitat works (Information to help with calculating tithe is available at my.habitat.org/kc/home/tithing).

• Annual participation in the tithe program is one of six Habitat core tenets and is a factor in achieving the status of good standing.

• Your annual tithe contribution is determined by HFHI’s fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30. • Best practices recommend that affiliates tithe on a biannual or quarterly basis. Submitting your tithe: • A tithe coupon, which enables your affiliate to communicate tithe amounts and designations, should

accompany each tithe payment (tithe coupons are available for download at my.habitat.org/kc/home/tithing).

• Your tithe payment and coupon should be mailed to: Habitat for Humanity International P.O. Box 6598 121 Habitat St. Americus, GA 31709-3498

• To see that your tithe has been received, check the tithe dashboard reports that are sent to affiliates every quarter.

• Funds can be redesignated during the same fiscal quarter and occasionally during the same fiscal year. Send redesignation requests to adjustmentrequest@habitat.org and copy USSupportCenter@habitat.org on the email.

Designating tithe funds: • A list of tithe priority countries for the fiscal year is available at my.habitat.org/kc/home/tithing.

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• Affiliates are encouraged to designate at least part (20 percent or more is suggested) of their tithe gifts to the Global Impact Fund, which supports countries that are most in need.

Additional information: • Please visit the tithe home page at my.habitat.org/kc/home/tithing or contact the Affiliate Support Center at

USSupportCenter@habitat.org. Tithes help build a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Your tithe donations, including those to the

Global Impact Fund, support innovative housing programs across the globe. Here are examples about countries in each area:

Latin America and the Caribbean Tithe priority: Colombia, Dominican Republic and Haiti Featured: Habitat Colombia Key activities:

• Financial education for potential homeowners. • Healthy Housing program. • Government subsidies for housing.

Europe, Middle East and Africa Tithe priority: Ethiopia, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Macedonia and Tajikistan Featured: Habitat Kenya Key activities:

• Building assistance for urban slum dwellers. • Microfinance housing program. • Internally Displaced Persons program.

Featured: Habitat Tajikistan Key activities:

• Energy-efficient renovation and winterization. • Water and sanitation projects. • Condominium renovations of Soviet-era buildings.

Asia and the Pacific Tithe priority: Bangladesh, Cambodia and Nepal Featured: Habitat Bangladesh Key activities:

• Low-cost housing through incremental construction, house renovation or repairs. • Disaster response and disaster mitigation and preparedness training. • Water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) project.

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4. Mission growth Collegiate Challenge Collegiate Challenge is Habitat for Humanity’s year-round alternative break program. Since 1989, groups of five or more students have spent a week of their vacation building in partnership with Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the United States.

The positive impact of Collegiate Challenge on host affiliates is undeniable. In addition to gaining youth volunteers, affiliates receive a financial contribution from those volunteers to help them serve more families. The students are greatly changed by this experience, and many become lifelong Habitat supporters. For more information, visit my.habitat.org/kc/volunteer-engagement/youth-volunteers/collegiate-challenge or email us at colchal@habitat.org.

National Service The Corporation for National and Community Service provides human capital — people power — to help address critical needs in your community through programs and grants. Each year, national and community service participants and grantees recruit hundreds of thousands of volunteers who donate millions of hours of service.

AmeriCorps National The AmeriCorps program places members with affiliates in direct service roles, building and repairing homes, supporting volunteers or supporting homeowner applicants. AmeriCorps members serve a 10.5-month term with an affiliate, although some shorter placements are available. Affiliates must pay a cash match of the AmeriCorps program cost (usually $11,000 to $12,000 per member) and provide training and supervision. Open application periods, generally in January, are announced on My.Habitat and through the U.S. Office News. For more information, go to my.habitat.org/kc/volunteer-engagement/national-service-americorps.

AmeriCorps VISTA The VISTA program places members with affiliates to provide capacity building services such as board development, project/partnership development and fundraising. VISTA members serve a one-year term with an affiliate. VISTA members cannot serve in direct service roles such as construction, administrative positions or positions previously held by staff. Affiliates must pay a cash match of approximately $11,000 to $12,000 per member and provide training, supervision, supplies and resources. Open application periods are announced on My.Habitat and through the U.S. Office News. Additional information can be found at my.habitat.org/kc/volunteer-engagement/national-service-americorps.

Organizational development consultants Organizational development consultants provide a range of support services to affiliates that request assistance. Consultants are available for instruction over the phone and for focused engagement in affiliate finance, community development, board development and other areas of affiliate operations. The program is designed for affiliates seeking to grow to the next level of capacity building and to become effective leaders and advocates for affordable housing. Contact the Affiliate Support Center or email ODPApps@Habitat.org.

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RV Care-A-Vanners The RV Care-A-Vanners program’s goal is to further the mission of Habitat for Humanity through advocacy and by helping Habitat affiliate hosts accelerate or supplement their building programs. Affiliates can sign up online to host RV Care-A-Vanners at habitat.org/cd/affiliate/host/default.aspx. For more information, visit habitat.org/rv.

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5. Funding resources Capacity Building Capacity Building is a competitive federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that HFHI subgrants to Habitat affiliates to create high-impact staff positions that result in a stronger, more professional and collaborative community organization and increase their building capacity by a minimum of 15 percent. With many affiliates receiving Neighborhood Stabilization Program funding and expanding to include weatherization and repairs, HFHI will expand the program from the first-time staffing model to include positions that will facilitate affiliates’ success. Learn more at my.habitat.org/kc/fundraising/grants/capacity-building-grant.

FlexCAP In fiscal year 2012, Habitat for Humanity International distributed $19.9 million in financing to 42 affiliates through the Flexible Capital Access Program, or FlexCAP. Interest rates were as low as 4 percent on a seven-year loan and 4.75 percent on a 10-year loan. Learn more at my.habitat.org/kc/housing-finance/flexcap.

New Markets Tax Credits The U.S. Treasury Department established the New Markets Tax Credits program to encourage capital investment in low-income communities. Used in partnership with for-profit investors, these credits allow participating affiliates to leverage the value of their work in progress and a cash contribution to build more homes. Participating affiliates have realized a 15 percent to 20 percent return in a one-day transaction. HFHI has received $103 million, having been funded in three out of four applications submitted.

To find out more about the New Markets Tax Credit program, please visit my.habitat.org/kc/housing-finance/nmtc or email nmtc@habitat.org.

Repair Corps HFHI and The Home Depot Foundation have expanded Repair Corps, a program to remodel and renovate homes across the country for U.S. military veterans and their families. With $2.7 million in funding from The Home Depot Foundation and volunteer assistance from Team Depot, Home Depot’s volunteer force of associates, the Repair Corps program gives Habitat affiliates the resources to repair the homes of more than 180 veterans and their families. HFHI provides training and technical assistance.

Learn more about Repair Corps at my.habitat.org/kc/home/repair-corps.

Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program Habitat for Humanity International won two Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program grants during fiscal year 2012, totaling $21.3 million. The grants will fund the land acquisition and infrastructure development of at least 1,145 ENERGY STAR-certified homes equipped with WaterSense products between 2012 and 2015. Also this year, HFHI transferred $8.8 million to 152 SHOP affiliates, serving 562 families. In collaboration with HUD’s regional staff and other HFHI departments, the SHOP department hosted two conferences and eight training events.

Learn more about SHOP at my.habitat.org/kc/fundraising/grants/shop.

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Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity Thrivent Builds is a continuing partnership between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International, focused on involving Thrivent members and supporters in volunteer opportunities with Habitat through:

• Thrivent Builds Homes (invitation only). • Thrivent Builds Repairs (invitation only). • Thrivent Builds Worldwide. Since 2005, Thrivent Financial has committed more than $180 million and volunteers have donated more than

3.5 million hours of time in supporting communities through this partnership. For additional information, visit thriventbuilds.com.

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6. Recognition Affiliates of Distinction The Affiliates of Distinction program honors affiliates that meet or exceed a number of best-practice standards and represent a broad spectrum of our affiliate network — the best of the best.

Sponsored by the Affiliate Enhancement Committee, a subcommittee of the U.S. Council, the goal is to recognize excellence and to showcase best practices so other affiliates can benefit.

The affiliate provides information and documentation on a number of categories that encompass the breadth of Habitat’s work. Completing the application is not easy or quick. This step is necessary to demonstrate that affiliates have met criteria and provided evidence for review. The affiliates that receive this designation will be able to showcase their work and be recognized by their peers. More information can be found at my.habitat.org/kc/home/aod.

Pioneers in Excellence FY12

Affiliate of the Year • Dallas Area HFH – large (population 250,000 and over)

Bill Hall, executive director • Indian River County HFH – medium (population 50,000 to 250,000)

Andrew Bowler, executive director and CEO • Bay Waveland Area HFH – small (population under 50,000)

Wendy McDonald, executive director

Clarence Jordan Award • HFH of Marion County, Florida

Phoenix Rising — A Community Partnership for Housing and Job Training Brad Nimmo, executive director

• HFH of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mississippi Homeownership Incubator program Adele Lyons, director of development

Clive Rainey Lifetime Achievement Award • Bill and France Moriarity — Care-A-Vanners • Dan Stowers — HFH Pinellas County, Florida

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