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How It Works:
Through volunteer labor, management expertise and tax-deductible
donations of money and material, Habitat builds and rehabilitates homes
with the help of the homeowners.
Houses are sold at no profit to partner families, and non-interest mortgages
are issued over a fixed period. The mortgage payments are deposited into
a revolving "Fund for Humanity" which supports the construction
of more houses.
Habitat is not a giveaway program. It's a "Hand Up" not a
"Hand Out". Each homeowner family is required to invest "sweat
equity" hours into the construction of their home, (300 hours for
families with two adults, and 200 hours for families with one adult).
This reduces the cost of the house, increases the pride of ownership among
family members and fosters the development of positive relationships with
other persons.
The average cost of a Habitat house in the U.S. is $45,000 to $70,000;
houses in developing countries range from $1500 to $30,000. There are
Habitat affiliates in all 50 states and over 70 countries.
How Families Are Selected
Families apply to the local Family Selection Committee. The committee chooses
prospective homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to
become partners in the program and their ability to repay the loan. Neither
race, religion, marital status, age nor sex is a factor in choosing the
persons to receive Habitat houses. The Board of Directors makes final determination
of Habitat families. Requirements:
Our local affiliate requires that families must:
Have resided in Warren County for the past year.
Have an annual income of approximately $22,000.00 depending upon the
number of family members and any extraordinary expenses.
Currently live in substandard housing (crowded, exorbitant rent, vermin
infested, etc.)
Be able to afford the monthly mortgage payment of approximately $400/month.
Be willing to complete "sweat equity" hours prior to moving
in.
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