What Is Habitat for Humanity?

 

Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing program, is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing. Habitat was founded in 1976, on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live where they can dwell in dignity and safety. Habitat has built and sold over 200,000 houses. The goal of Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to make affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Those with the greatest need are often those least able to meet their need. Therefore, Habitat partners with families in great need of decent affordable housing, and makes the house possible at no profit and no interest.

 

Where Is Habitat for Humanity?

 

Habitat for Humanity is in the United States and 81 other countries.

 

Who Is Habitat for Humanity?

 

Habitat for Humanity is organized at the community level. The local organizations are Affiliates, and over 1,650 Habitat Affiliates are in the United States.

 

How Does Habitat for Humanity Operate?

 

The local Affiliate joins with community organizations, businesses and individuals to obtain the necessary house building resources. The Affiliate uses established family selection criteria to select a homeowner family, and builds the house. The family buys the house at no profit and no interest. The mortgage payments are used to build more houses.

 

What are the Family Selection Criteria?

 

1.      Need for Decent Housing

2.      Ability to Pay the Mortgage

3.      Willingness to Partner with Habitat

 

What is the average cost of a Habitat house?

 

The cost varies by affiliate. Where the average appraised value of a Habitat house is $95,000, the average selling price is about $68,000— the cost of construction.

Darlington County Habitat

Frequently Asked Questions