WHAT IS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY?
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races, and religions to build houses in partnership with families in need.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses. Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and the monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor--sweat equity--into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY?
For a detailed article on the history of HFH, click here.
WHY IS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY NEEDED?
A description of this issue can be found here.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR HABITAT TO BE A CHRISTIAN MINISTRY?
A description of this issue can be found here.
WHAT DOES A HABITAT HOUSE COST?
Throughout the world, the cost of houses varies from as little as $800 in some developing countries to an average of $46, 600 in the United States. Habitat houses are affordable for low-income families, because there is no profit included in the sale price and no interest charged on the mortgage. Mortgage length varies from seven to thirty years.
WHAT IS "SWEAT EQUITY"?
Homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor ("sweat equity") into building their Habitat house and the houses of others. Sweat equity reduces the monetary cost of the house, increases the personal stake of the family members in their house, and fosters the development of partnerships with other people in the community. The amount and type of sweat equity required of each partner family vary from affiliate to affiliate.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP?
(Note: if you are interested in applying to become a homeowner, but do not live in the Greene County area, visit www.habitat.org to find an affiliate in your area).
Families apply to be a part of the Habitat process. Applications are reviewed by the Springfield Affiliate's Family Selection Committee. Families have to demonstrate a need and a willingness to partner with Habitat.
Habitat families are not given the house. The house is sold to families based on a twenty year no-interest loan. Their monthly mortgage payments go in to a revolving "Fund for Humanity" that helps fund the construction of more houses. Habitat families are required to attend homeowner classes, work one hundred "sweat equity" hours on the construction of their house, and are matched with a mentor for the first year of home-ownership. Families are given a "hand up", not a "hand out".
If your family, or a family you know, is in need of decent, affordable housing, contact the Springfield Affiliate (417) 829-4001 or contact the Habitat Help Line at (800) 422-4828. For more information on home-ownership in Springfield, visit www.habitatspringfieldmo.org/homeownership. The affiliate can give you more information on the availability, size, costs, and requirements for Habitat houses in our area, as well as information on the application process.
HOW DO I JOIN THE E-MAIL LIST?
The best way to stay informed of all chapter activities and relations is to join our e-mail distribution list. Our secretary will send out weekly e-mails containing important information, including upcoming events, reminders, and documents. To join, simply e-mail MSUHabitatforHumanity@gmail.com with your first and last name, e-mail, year in school, and phone number. You may also fill out our form under Get Involved: Becoming a Member.
HOW DO I REMOVE MYSELF FROM THE E-MAIL LIST?
Members often wish to be removed from the e-mail list due to graduation or time conflicts with our chapter. To remove yourself from the e-mail list, please e-mail MSUHabitatforHumanity@gmail.com stating your first and last name and reason for requesting off.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION?
For additional information, see the other sections of this Web site, see our contact information page, or visit Habitat International.