1993 La Porte Chapter, Bay Area Habitat for Humanity-lots 1-13, block 128

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'.rrr Habitat for Humanity I International f~c~ Sh~~~ A decell1lt lhlolUlse DIl1l aJ decell1lt COmmlUlll1lDty 1Fow God's lPeolP~e DIl1l ll1leed hat is Habitat for Humanity International? Founded in 1976 by Linda and Millard Fuller, Habitat for Humanity International is an ( _ __ _~ ecumenical, Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. By having needy and affluent people work together in equal partnership, Habitat builds new relationships and a sense of community as well as new housing. How does it work? Through volunteer labor, management expertise, and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates homes with the help of the homeowners. Houses are sold at no profit to partner families, and no-interest mortgages are issued over a fixed period. Costs of homes differ relative to location, labor, land and materials. Currently, a Habitat house in the United States costs homeowners an average of approximately $35,000, while houses in developing countries range from about $500 - $3,000. Small monthly mortgage payments, including taxes and insurance, are repaid over 7 to 20 years and deposited - into a. revolving~ ~'Fund for Humanity" which supports the construction of more houses. Who controls and manages Habitat for Humanity International? An ecumenical board of 29 people meets three times a year to determine policy and monitor operations in conjunction with a larger Board of Advisors. Primarily dependent upon voluntee.r labor, Habitat for Human- ity's international headquarters operates with an ad- ministrative staff, assisted by a core group of paid clerical and support people and supplemented by long- and short-term volunteers. Each Habitat for Humanity affiliate and sponsored project is managed by a local volunteer board. How does the partnership with homeowners work? Habitat is not a giveaway program, but is a joint venture in which those who benefit from the housing ministry are involved in the work at various levels. Each homeowner family is required to invest "sweat equity" hours into the construction of their home. 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. How are the partner families selected? Families apply to local Habitat projects. A family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program, and their ability to repay the loan. Every project follows a non-discriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families to receive Habitat houses. How does Habitat.work with the government? Habitat does not accept government money for construction_of new houses, renovation or.: repair of existing houses, or the general operating expenses of projects. Habitat does, however, accept funds for the acquisition of streets, utilities, land, or old houses needing rehabilitation, provided those funds have no provisions attached which would violate Habitat's principles. Where does Habitat for Humanity Operate? Habitat for Humanity International is growing rapidly. In the United States there are hundreds of affiliated projects, covering all 50 states, and there are more than 100 other projects in over 40 countries.