Habitat for Humanity affiliates are encouraged to donate 10% of what they raise to home building efforts in another country. In most cases, the cost of building a home is much lower overseas than in the United States, so that even small donations go a long way toward helping those in need.

Habitat Ohio tithes 10% of the money it raises to Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia. Ethiopia is one of the ten poorest countries in the world. About 85% of houses in the country are made of mud and stick or thatch walls, which leak and collapse easily. Substandard housing affects every aspect of life for Ethiopians—health, education, job performance, and overall quality of life.

Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia began construction in 1993. Houses are generally built with stabilized earth blocks, hollow concrete blocks, and fired bricks. Improved “chicka” houses, traditional in Ethiopia, are also very popular. To date, Habitat Ethiopia has constructed or rehabbed 1,330 homes with an average cost of only US $2,660 per unit.

In Fiscal Year 2009, Habitat Ohio tithed over $13,000 to Ethiopia, enough to build approximately 5 new homes.

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