An Update

I've worked for awhile on this project, and I feel confident that my speech will be a good one. Habitat for Humanity, the organization I've decided to rally behind, is an organization I am familiar with and trust. It was difficult to come up with a rebuttal, but I think my rebuttal is a question that's often posed when dealing with charities that handle those down on their luck. This weekend I'm going to do research into home equities, and I will read more studies that revolve around poverty and how a home can ease the strains of poverty. And then I will give my speech. And win.


Claim: Habitat for Humanity is an organization one should give money to.

Reasons: Because Habitat for Humanity provides homes to those unable to buy a typical home in their area and to those whose homes have been destroyed by means of natural disaster. Because Habitat for Humanity recruits teenage and adult volunteers to create a sense of community. Because Habitat for Humanity does not simply give away homes- the recipients of the homes help build them, and the new owners eventually pay back Habitat for Humanity, allowing more homes to be built for those in need. Because Habitat for Humanity uses local materials to build homes, stimulating the local economy. Because the homes built by Habitat for Humanity are environmentally friendly, cost-efficient, and safe.

Warrant: Homes provide a secure place to raise a family. When one lives under a stable roof, they are more likely to be healthy and more likely to be safe. A person is more likely to be hired for a job if they are able to provide an address of residence. Owning a home not only gives the owner a sense of pride and accomplishment, owning a home increases one’s wealth through means of equity and savings resulting from mortgage payments.

Backing: Personal testimony from volunteers and recipients of homes. Statistics- Planning and Development Collaborative International 2006 report, Emory University 2001 report, UN 2003 report, National Low Income Housing Coalition 2004 report. Research- How do equities work?

Rebuttal: Habitat for Humanity gives away free homes to recipients of welfare.

Qualifier: Habitat for Humanity does not gift homes to those in need. People who come to Habitat for Humanity usually are working people who, due to harsh circumstances, take in an income 30 to 50 percent less than their area’s median income. Habitat homeowners are required to make a $500 down payment on their home and are asked to help in the construction of their home. Usually, a Habitat for Humanity home recipient contributes 300 to 500 hours to the making of their home. Furthermore, many Habitat homeowners go on to become volunteers of the organization.