Transcript Introduction to Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity
What is Habitat for Humanity?
• Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit,
ecumenical Christian housing ministry.
• HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and
homelessness from the world, and to make decent
shelter a matter of conscience and action.
• Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races
and religions to build houses together in partnership
with families in need.
Habitat for Humanity International
History of Habitat for Humanity International
• Founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller
• Built more than 225,000 housing worldwide
• Providing safe, decent and affordable shelter for
more than 1 million people
• Not a giveaway program
• No government funds used
Habitat for Humanity International
Mission Statement
• Partnership with
God and people
everywhere.
• Develop communities with people in need by
building and renovating houses.
• Decent houses in decent communities.
• Every person can experience God's love and can
live and grow into all that God intends.
Habitat for Humanity
How it Works
• Houses are built with volunteer labor and donations
of money and material
• Homeowners invest hundreds of hours of sweat
equity
• Sold to families with no profit margin
• Average cost of a home to the family is $45,000
• Mortgage length ranges for seven to thirty years
Habitat for Humanity
How Families are Selected
• Two Important Selection Criteria
– Currently struggling with inadequate housing.
– Below upper income limit and unable to get conventional
home financing.
• Families in need of shelter apply to local affiliate
• Affiliate selection committee chooses homeowner based on;
– Level of need
– Willingness to become a partner
– Ability to repay mortgage loan
• Non discriminatory selection policy
Habitat for Humanity
Homeowner “sweat equity”
– All homeowners contribute “sweat equity” by
working in partnership with the affiliate and other
volunteers.
• Pride in ownership from personal investment
• Development of skills and knowledge while building
• Partnership and interaction with others who are part of
the movement.
Habitat for Humanity
No-profit, no-interest financing
• Affiliate establishes revolving
Fund for Humanity to provide
no-profit,
no-interest loans.
• Funds come
from mortgage payments,
local contributions and other
donors.
Habitat for Humanity
Washington County, VA
What does an Affiliate do?
• Works with donors, volunteers and homeowners.
• Build or renovate simple, decent and affordable
housing.
• Primary responsibility for:
– Legal matters, organization.
– Fund raising.
– Family selection and support.
– Finance.
– Construction.
Habitat for Humanity
Washington County, VA Affiliate
• Founded January 13, 1998
• Managed by 18 member Board of Directors
• Completed 8 homes since inception
– Abingdon
– Damascus
– Glade Spring
• Crosswhite home under construction
– to be completed in April ‘09
• Emory blitz home to start in May ‘09
Habitat for Humanity
Washington County, VA
Holiday Home – Glade Spring
ReStore
• Located in Glade Springs
• Accepts donations of building
supplies for resell
• All profits used for home
building
• Works in cooperation with building
supply stores
• All volunteer staff
• Has generated nearly $7000 for building funds
during start up year
• Start-up support from Virginia Tobacco Commission
grant
How You Can Help
• Donate Money
• Donate Labor
• Donate Materials
• Offer Your Prayers
Thank You