What is Habitat for Humanity? Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Through volunteer labor, management expertise, and donations of money, materials, and land, Habitat builds homes with the help of the homeowners. The homes are then sold to the partner families at no profit on an interest-free mortgage. Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976. Mon County Habitat for Humanity, the local affiliate that concentrates its efforts on Monongalia County, West Virginia, was founded in 1990. How big is Habitat for Humanity? There are approximately 2100 Habitat affiliates operating in every state and in 100 countries. These affiliates have completed more than 200,000 homes worldwide. Mon County Habitat has completed more than 30 homes with area families and has several under construction. How does it work? A volunteer board of directors meets monthly to determine policy and monitor operations; an executive director manages daily operations. Volunteer committees work in several areas: family selection, family advocacy, publicity, finance/legal, fund-raising, church relations, and construction. Where does the money come from? We try to raise most of our funds from right here in the community. Our funds come from individuals, church communities, businesses, civic organizations, and fund-raising events. We also look to grant-making sources outside the community. We make use of government funds as well, provided there are no conditions attached that would violate Habitat’s Christian principles. | How are partner families selected? Families apply to Habitat and the family selection committee chooses the homeowners based on their need, income, willingness to partner with us, and ability to repay the loan. We follow the guidelines set forth in the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
What is required of a partner family? Habitat is not a giveaway program but a joint venture in which those who benefit from the housing ministry are involved in the work. Family members 18 and older are required to invest 250 hours of “sweat equity” in the construction of their home. Together, we build a simple, decent, affordable home.
What does a Habitat house cost for a partner family? We sell the home for what it cost to build, including a valuation for donated materials. Donated professional services are not included in the cost figure. Mortgages usually run around $50,000. Homes are assessed at about $100,000.
How can I help? Get involved! You could: - join a committee
- serve on the board
- perform construction work
- spread the word about Habitat
- make tax-deductible contributions of money, land, and building materials
- request a Habitat representative to speak to your group, church, or business
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