Asheville Habitat’s Global Engagement Program Embodies Overarching Mission of a World Where Everyone Has a Decent Place to Live

There is no better day than World Habitat Day, October 7, to talk about Asheville Habitat’s Global Engagement program. A long-standing tenant of Habitat for Humanity, Habitat affiliates around the globe “tithe” to other Habitat affiliates in support of a shared vision and global mission. Every time a Habitat home closes in Buncombe County, Asheville Habitat send a donation (tithe) to one of our global engagement partners.

Asheville Habitat currently supports long-time partner Habitat Guatemala, new partner Habitat Ethiopia, and also directs a portion of funds to Habitat International’s Orphans and Vulnerable Groups (OVG) Fund.

In addition, we organize trips to build with our partners. If you’re ready to embark on a new adventure, experience the immense sense of fulfillment that comes from serving others, and make meaningful connections with like-minded volunteers, join our Global Village trip to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from February 15-23, 2020. Led by Asheville Habitat core volunteer and seasoned Global Village trip leader Melissa Banks, volunteers will work to improve the lives of vulnerable people by renovating homes and constructing critical sanitation infrastructure in the capital city of Addis Ababa. Learn more and sign up here.

You can also support Asheville Habitat’s global engagement work at the Asheville Habitat ReStore. Small purchases make a big impact in places like Guatemala where the daily wage of a Guatemalan coffee farmer is equivalent to the price of a cup of coffee in the U.S. Here’s how you can help:

• Buy bagged Guatemalan or Ethiopian coffee from Dynamite Roasting Co. — for yourself or to give as gifts. Also available in the Weaverville ReStore.
• Take a break from shopping and enjoy a cup of Guatemalan coffee.
• Buy a reusable stainless steel ReStore travel mug- and appreciate $1 refills of Guatemalan coffee.
• Buy Guatemalan crafts including jewelry and textiles. Another great gift idea!

Global engagement doesn’t need to be an OR thing. It can be an AND thing. We always need donations to build and repair homes in Buncombe County. But when you look at how far the U.S. dollar goes in other countries, we ask you to consider also supporting our global work. In Guatemala for example, a $35 donation is life-changing in that it provides a family with safe drinking water. To support our global work financially, donate online and select Global Engagement from the Area of Support menu. Thank you!