About Habitat

What is Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County?

Habitat/Monroe is one of over 1000 affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International, a witness to Christian concern for the housing needs of people all over the world. Each affiliate raises funds, buys building materials, and uses volunteer labor to construct homes. The finished home is then sold to a family in need of decent housing. In this way Habitat forms a partnership between people with resources and those who are less fortunate.

Habitat is not a "give-away" program. It provides an opportunity for people from many walks of life to take a hammer in their hands and work together to provide simple, decent, affordable homes in our community. Habitat is a "Hand Up" not a "Hand Out." To find out what Habitat of Monroe County has accomplished in 2006, see our annual report(PDF: 1.5M)

What ties Habitat/Monroe to the Habitat International Organization?

As an authorized and approved affiliate organization, Habitat/Monroe has access to a wide variety of support services and information from the International HQ in Americus, GA. All American affiliates donate 10% of undesignated funds to the work of overseas affiliates. (In most third world countries, a decent home can be built for about 1/10th the cost of an American home.) In this way, funds donated to Habitat help build homes around the world, as well as in America. We donate our tithe to Paraguay and in 2003/2004, ranked 4th of 85 affiliates in Michigan.

What kinds of homes does Habitat build?

Habitat's aim is to provide simple, decent, affordable homes and the basic needs for a family to live. The design of the house and the workmanship put into it is aimed at building a home which is trouble free and requires little cost to maintain. We seek to locate Habitat homes in neighborhoods where families have access to schools, public transportation, and other necessities and can participate in neighborhood activities.

What criteria are used to select Habitat families?

The Family Selection Committee solicits applications from many sources: churches, shelters, referral agencies, etc. Applicants are screened and qualified families are then selected. In screening applicants, the Committee follows explicit procedures and criteria set by the Board of Directors. These criteria include need, inability to obtain financing elsewhere, and completion of pre-home ownership training, completion of 250 "sweat equity" hours per adult and acceptable completion of the application. No discrimination is made on the basis of race, marital status, religion or ethnic background.

How are homes priced and sold?

Habitat homes are built and sold at no profit, with a no interest mortgage. As payments are received, they are used to further the Habitat mission and build other Habitat homes. Monthly payments are determined by family income, including monthly housing costs and do not exceed 30% of a family's monthly income.

What involvements do applicants have once they are chosen for a home?

Applicants are required to complete 250 volunteer sweat equity hours per adult. These hours are spent on their own time, on their own and others' homes, and at special events. Homeowners are expected to participate in Habitat events as they are the best spokespeople for the program. Friends and family are strongly encouraged to participate in the events, and their hours can count for 10% of the total sweat equity hours.

Who provides construction management and skilled labor?

Our Construction Supervisor, along with our Building Committee, is responsible for project planning, development, and construction. All local building codes and permits are met. On-site supervision is provided by a volunteer House Leader at each home. Licensed trade work is performed or supervised by professionals.

How does Habitat raise money?

Money can come from individual contributions, churches, foundations, corporations, union, civic groups, etc. Habitat also applies for grants from foundations, funding institutions, and agencies. In, addition, yearly fundraising events are held such as: "Home Sweet Homes."

How does Habitat ensure that homes are properly maintained after they are sold?

The Family Partnership Committee works with Habitat families to help them obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to meet their financial responsibilities, maintain their home, and how to become involved in neighborhood activities.

What happens if a homeowner falls behind in their payments?

Habitat offers an opportunity to own a home for monthly payments which are generally less than the amount they pay for substandard housing. If for some reason a crisis prevents a homeowner from meeting a house payment, Habitat will review the circumstances with them and help them work out their financial crisis by helping them to develop a budget.

If a homeowner is incapable of responsibly keeping up mortgage payments, Habitat retains the right to repossess the house and sell it to another qualified applicant. Because of the care taken in the selection process and the partnership developed with applicants, Habitat has little problem with defaults on mortgages.