Prioritizing health and safety: Habitat for Humanity adopts face covering policy for all U.S. offices, ReStores and facilities
ATLANTA (July 23, 2020) — To protect the health and safety of its staff, volunteers and the communities it serves, Habitat for Humanity International today announced that it is requiring the use of face coverings or masks in all of its global offices, branches, warehouses and Habitat ReStores.
Other Habitat for Humanity organizations across the U.S., and national organizations outside of the U.S., are strongly recommended to implement the same requirement for their facilities as well, including all locally-operated Habitat ReStores.
“The Bible reminds us to love thy neighbor, and in this era of COVID-19 there’s no better way to care for our colleagues, friends and neighbors than by wearing a mask,” said Habitat for Humanity CEO Jonathan Reckford. “Leading with our core values of humility, courage and accountability, Habitat is committed to protect the well-being of communities we serve throughout the world.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization both continue to advise face coverings as an effective tool to control and reduce the spread of COVID-19. In an effort to do its part, Habitat for Humanity International’s guidance to local Habitat organizations around the globe strongly recommends the adoption of a required face covering policy that would apply to all staff, volunteers, partner families, vendors and retail customers engaged in activities on Habitat premises, in addition to adherence to all additional local, state and national public health guidelines.
While most Habitat for Humanity International administrative offices in the U.S. and around the world remain closed to staff and visitors, Habitat will remind customers, vendors, volunteers and other visitors about the requirement by posting signs at all open facilities and ReStores. Habitat continues to maintain social distancing measures and increased sanitation. For additional information about Habitat for Humanity’s ongoing commitment to safety and its mission during COVID-19, visit habitat.org/covid-19.
About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.