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

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 International

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

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

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

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