Habitat for Humanity

Habitat’s Vision: “A world where everyone has a decent place to live.”

That really doesn’t sound like it’s too much to ask, does it?

Most people think that Habitat for Humanity “gives” away houses, and that couldn’t be further from the truth.  H4H builds houses using volunteer labor (under professional supervision) and then provides no-profit, no-interest mortgage loans to qualified applicants.  In simpler terms, H4H builds high quality, environmentally green homes using free labor and is then able to sell them for the price of the materials to low-income families.  But, being low income isn’t the only requirement…  In order to qualify for one of these homes (and the no-interest mortgage loan), an applicant must first:

• Be citizens or legal residents.
• Prove steady income.
• Have good credit.
• Earn a monthly income that falls within minimum and maximum limits, depending on household size.
• Sustain a savings account over a specified period of time.

In addition, each applicant family will be required to:

• Invest 350 hours of sweat-equity in building his/her home and others.
• Make an affordable down payment.
• Make timely mortgage payments.
• Complete 13 homeownership education classes.

That said, this isn’t a “handout”, it’s a “hand-up”.  Having been involved in many H4H builds, I am confident that the need for this organization is real and the positive impact that they are making in our communities and the lives of those whom they serve is legitimately life changing.  Many citizens are weary of “enabling” people…  H4H is “EMPOWERING” people to make a change for the better!

Click here if you’d like to learn more about this worthy organization:  Habitat for Humanity