The Freeborn/Mower Habitat for Humanity recently sent more than $8,000 to provide safe and affordable housing in Guatemala.

The tithe represents 10 percent of all undesignated donations the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity received during the last year.

The foundation of the tithing program is based on Habitat’s shared, biblical roots as an ecumenical Christian ministry. Tithing within Habitat — a global organization that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the face of the earth — ensures that funding reaches the countries that have both a Habitat presence and some of the greatest need.

In 1979, at a home dedication in Zaire, Habitat founder Millard Fuller received the first $200 tithe, which he later used to help launch the first Habitat affiliate in Aguacatan, Guatemala.

Habitat’s tithe program makes a big difference for families living in impoverished countries, and Guatemala is no exception. Habitat Guatemala has the widest reach and highest productivity of all non-governmental housing programs working in Guatemala. Since 1979, they have provided 79,737 housing solutions for over 320,000 people. But with a housing deficit in Guatemala of over 1.6 million homes, they will continue to work hard and grow.