What Kind of Charity Is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat is a hand up, not a handout. We give low-income families the opportunity
to improve their own lives. Homeowners have to work hard to build their
homes and pay back their own mortgages. It's affordable for low-income
families because there is no-interest or no-profit in the building of
the homes. In that sense, Habitat is a self-help opportunity, not a charity.
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Do My Tax Dollars Support Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat has never received government funding except for loans for infrastructure
and land purchases. Habitat is supported by incoming mortgage payments
from current homeowners, as well as donations of money, materials and
labor from individuals, corporations and organizations.
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How Do Homeowners Pay For Their Houses?
Not only do homeowners purchase their houses, they are also required to help
build them--and the homes of others--as part of their "sweat equity"
agreement.
Prospective homeowners work on their own and other families' homes for at least 250
hours including 20 hours in classes that teach basic skills needed for
home ownership, such as basic maintenance and budgeting skills.
The sweat equity component is very important as it gives families a sense
of accomplishment (Habitat is not a give-away program) as well as teaching
useful skills. After the closing, the family makes interest-free
monthly mortgage payments with either a 15 or 20 year commitment.
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Don't You Build Homes For The Homeless?
Habitat's goal is to eliminate poverty housing, by providing working families the
opportunity to improve their living conditions. Families who are selected
to participate in the program are not without housing, but live in substandard
or inadequate conditions and are unable to secure affordable housing in
the private market, despite having a steady income.
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Are Low-income Families Poor Credit Risks?
Since 1988, we've loaned almost six million dollars to low to moderate income
earners and never lost a penny of capital. With 116 homes constructed
and sold to Habitat Homebuyers, we have only had three foreclosures.
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Is Habitat A Christian Organization?
Habitat was founded and remains a Christian ministry. Many of our staff,
donors, volunteers and homeowners are Christians. However, we welcome
and partner with many types of organizations and people, believing that
we all can contribute to solving the serious problems of poverty housing.
Families are selected on need for housing, ability to pay and willingness
to partner. Religious conviction and practice is not a requirement
in any way for homeownership.
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Where do you build homes?
Affiliates are locally based. South Hampton Roads Habitat for Humanity currently
builds homes in all of the cities of South Hampton Roads and beginning
this year, in Isle of Wight County. You can search for other affiliates
by visiting the the following this link to the Habitat
International web site.
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Does Habitat build year round?
At a pace of almost twelve houses a year, construction never gets a rest.
I Don't Have Any Home-Building Experience. Can Habitat Still Use Me?
Volunteers need only a willingness to learn skills, a desire to interact with all
types of people, and a flexible attitude. Construction is a very labor-intensive
activity in which volunteers carry much of the load. Volunteers are also
needed, however, to be event organizers, land seekers, application takers,
and to fill a myriad of other positions. Go to the "Helping" page
to find volunteer information and to complete and submit a volunteer application.
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Habitat...Isn't That The Organization That Jimmy Carter Started?
A wealthy Georgia businessman, Millard Fuller, conceived the concept of Habitat
in the mid-seventies. He sold all his wealth and dedicated himself to
pursuing the dream of eliminating poverty housing. Former President Carter
and his wife Rosalyn are incredibly supportive of Habitat's work and each
year labor at "Jimmy Carter Work Project" building event either
nationally or internationally. President Carter's association has helped
to give Habitat a greater presence and more visibility in the national
and international media.
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How Do You Become A Habitat Homeowner?
There are three main criteria that you must qualify within to become a Habitat homebuyer. The first is the need for adequate shelter, second is the ability to pay the mortgage and lastly is the ability to partner with Habitat and complete your 'sweat equity.' There are other qualifications (for example, an income bracket depending on the size of the family) and if you meet those as well, than the next step is to complete the application and return it to us by 4pm on March 31, 2009 . March 2, 2009 is the first day of the the application season and it ends March 31, 2009. You may come to our office or download the forms online.
Return to FAQ Index.Can you use donated appliances or windows or lights or....?
Habitat rules promise each homeowner a brand new home, appliances and a home warranty. New donated building materials, appliances, etc. are always welcome. Our Habitat General Stores also welcome donations of used but working and good condition building materials, appliances, furniture, and other household items. Contact the stores at 616-0597 to arrange for pick-up of large or bulky items.