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.

HfHKC 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 HfHKC are tithed to further HFHI work 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.

Our FY 2007 tithe of $38,407 was enough to build more than 7 houses with sister affiliate, Habitat Jordan.

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.

Historically, Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County has tithed in a generalized manner, giving through Habitat for Humanity International without knowing the identity of the recipient affiliate. In 2007 HfHKC shifted from tithing to the HFHI ‘pool’, to establishing a direct tithe relationship with Habitat Jordan. Knowing the who/what/where/when/why/how brings new life to our giving. Habitat Jordan is committed to responsible use of these funds, and to getting to know us as well. Habitat Jordan’s national director, Philip Griffith has visited our sites twice already, creating a pattern that openly invites members of HFHKC to visit Jordan and experience the joys and challenges of building there, and to celebrate fruits of our combined ‘labor’ first hand.

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

As a tithing affiliate we incorporate a special litany of blessing in each home dedication in Kitsap County. Excerpts from the litany give voice to our connection to the global family that is Habitat:

"Awaken our hearts to understand how our neighbors include all of humanity, not just those whose lawns border ours.... Although we may never meet, may they know God's love because of the caring of strangers who truly are their neighbors… Bless the gifts we offer, O God, and multiply them as Jesus did the loaves and fishes. May our resources continue to spread the shelter of your love around the world. Amen."

Note: Italics indicate information specific to HfHKC.