We build strength, stability and
self-reliance through shelter.
We provide shelter solutions
We do this through building and repairing shelters, disaster risk reduction and recovery, a housing rental initiative, maintenance training for women, ReStore shops and volunteering programs. We currently operate in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.
our Australian programs
Renovate shelters
We help disadvantaged people through the Brush with Kindness corporate volunteering program. The program mobilises teams of volunteers to conduct landscaping, renovation and minor building repairs at the accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence or people experiencing homelessness. Teams can get out of the office and get their hands dirty! Through our Australian programs, we have helped over 1000 people through volunteering activities and engaged with more than 10,000 volunteers from both the community and corporate sectors.
Build shelters
Our Home Ownership program is a limited application-based program that is only available in South Australia and Victoria. Our partner families receive an interest-free loan, based on the market value of the completed home and contribute 500 hours of their own time in the planning and construction phases. We call this sweat equity.
Rental program
We believe that all Australians should have access to a safe and secure home, yet sadly recognise that there is currently an imbalance between supply and demand for affordable rentals all around the country. Habitat for Humanity Australia is committed to finding a solution for the current housing crisis and aims to become a landlord of choice for the vulnerable in our community who don’t qualify for social housing, yet can’t afford private rentals. Our Subsidised Housing and Affordable Rental Program (SHARP) works with housing developers and investors, as well as private owners of empty units, to provide affordable rentals to those who need it, whilst being financially profitable.
Habitat Restore
Restore is Habitat for Humanity Australia’s social enterprise that accepts new and gently used goods, with all proceeds supporting our Australian based programs. Not only are items available to purchase at a significantly reduced price, but everything you buy is one less item that ends up in landfill. Everyone deserves a decent and secure place to live, and Habitat Restore supports this mission.
Habitat Women
Women are severely under-represented in the construction industry, making up only 1% of many trades workforce. Our Habitat Women program provides women who have experienced barriers to employment with hands-on training in the maintenance and repairs space. This twelve week syllabus provides women with a positive learning experience which builds confidence and skills in a way that leads to employment in the construction industry. We recruit cohort members several times a year, and operate out of TAFE Meadowbank.
Disaster Recovery & Resilience
Our Bushfire Recovery Program provides recovery services to people affected by the Bushfires. Our Disaster Recovery Team, consisting of volunteers, are mobilised as soon as the smoke clears to offer support and hope. We have been on the ground in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria in helping to salvage, rebuild, and assist homeowners.
Volunteer in Australia
Do something different and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Australia. We have volunteering programs in both Australia and overseas in the Asia Pacific, suitable for all ages and abilities. Get involved with an amazing team of individuals, discover new parts of the world and learn new skills. Give the gift of your time in the most valuable and rewarding way by lending a helping hand to build homes, communities and hope.
Stories from home
Read how we give a hand up to Aussie families
Creating a Healing Space: How Habitat for Humanity Australia Volunteers and Habitat Women Built a Sensory Garden for Domestic Violence Refuge
Habitat and Rainbow Lodge come together through Brush with Kindness.
Carolina’s Habitat Women Journey: Building Confidence And Realising Her Dreams
Meet Elizabeth: Building a future with Habitat Women
What is Habitat for Humanity Australia doing about Homelessness in Australia?
