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

Thank You