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Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with God’s people in need by building and renovating houses, so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which God’s people can live and grow into all that God intended.
This is accomplished through the construction of simple, decent homes based on volunteer labor and partnerships with local faith based organizations and businesses.
1. President Jimmy Carter founded Habitat for Humanity?
Millard and Linda Fuller founded habitat for Humanity in 1976 in the town of Americus Georgia. Jimmy Carter began his relationship with Habitat as a volunteer and still actively volunteers on home builds.
Habitat partners with low-income families that have successfully gone through a process of selection. Once approved they buy the home by working 500 hours of "sweat equity" for their down payment, then Habitat provides and carries a no-interest mortgage loan. Each homeowner must make regular mortgage payments to service the loan.
Volunteers are the mainstays of the labor pool utilized by HCHH. When
required we do utilize groups of "professional" experience trade labor
for specific tasks, typically donated or given at a discounted hourly
rate.
Prospective families are being interviewed on a continuing basis.
Each family must attend a monthly orientation. Requirements include
a maximum income, housing need, willingness to partner with Habitat
and their ability to make monthly payments. When an application is
completed it goes before the family review committee with recommendation
by the Board of Directors for final approval.
Contributions by volunteers is the key to our success. No home would be completed without their efforts. People can choose to volunteer in various ways either at the work site in the office, lead or be part of one of the committees or serve on the Board of Directors.
Cost for recent builds are about
$60,000 depending on house size, cost of the lost and
amount of volunteer labor.
Habitat's policy is not exclusive
to US citizens, it is based on need and the approval selection process.
Habitat cannot and will not discriminate.
This can happen. We have hundreds
of weill meaning individuals who want to volunteer but many have few
skills required to build a house. Since the pool is so large some do
not get called when a project is ready to move on. Secondly, though
many people want to help they may not be available when the project
requires a broad-based team. Thirdly, the need of volunteers can depend
on the type of build and build mix whether new construction vs rehab
construction. Construction needs may vary where higher skill sets may
be required?
All types of new and used building and home improvement materials. They can vary based on availability but all are offered at sizeable discount prices. Items include doors, carpet, electrical, plumbing, lighting, screens, windows, hardware and ceramic tile.
Yes, the ReStore is open to the public Tuesday thru Saturday. Week days 9:00 to 5:00 PM. On Saturdays 8:00 to 3:00 PM.
All building materials will be accepted
if they are in good usable condition at the HFH ReStore. Items can be
dropped off at the Restore located at 2401 Scott Blvd., Iowa City. For
larger items the ReStore will make arrangements to pick them up. Call
337-8949 for pick up approval and schedule.
Yes, many of the materials are used especially unused lumber, plywood, insulation, electrical wiring. Both new and used materials of some types are used in rehab projects. Restrictions are enforced to meet building codes.
It varies on the money available, recipients available
and building sponsors available. The ramge for HCHH is 1 to 3 homes
per year.
It takes Habitat to build a home from 1 day up to one
year. The "one day" build utilizes highly organized crews of up to 300
union trade professionals focusing their energies into what we refer
to as a "Blitz Build". A build can take a year if volunteers are only
available on Saturdays!
There are safe guards in the original documents that
protects SHfH from someone buying then selling for an immediate profit.
The time line can vary from loan to loan but usually around three years
in duration. If the house is sold before the fist mortgage is paid off
50% of the equity is shared with HCHH. This is due tot he fact that
the principal and interest has not been paid in full.
Yes, if they meet the requirements.
We would have to define the word, "Large". Our homes
are roughly 830 to 1200 square feet usually two bedrooms. The homes
are limited in size due to cost and lot size. However, there are considerations
being looked at to build up to five bedrooms to accommodate larger families.
Our families are homeowners and they can do what they
like. The only restrictions would be those imposed by the city and county
i.e. farm animals, chickens etc.
Yes! Make the check out to Habitat for Humanity. Be
sure to note on the check in the memo section that the donation is for
a Habitat Build at "street address". Ail funds collected for a specific
build will go to that build.
Yes! All volunteers on site must be 16 years or older. For neighborhood clean up - any age with adult supervision. Those that are under age 16 can assist in the preparation of food for the workers or aid in other non-site support tasks.
Yes, though Habitat will provide a few tools. Also,
your are responsible for your tool accountability at the end of the
workday.
Habitat avoids allowing unskilled volunteers using power tools unless they are skilled professionals with experience. Professionals are encouraged to bring their own tools to the build site. Th HCHH Site Manager on the site can make an exception if the individual can demonstrate their ability and on the job safety.
Habitat maintains a well-stocked First Aid kit at all sites as well as ear plugs and safety goggles for the crews on the job. Each site manager is equipped with cell/walkie talkies for immediate support in case of a medical emergency. Each site manager knows the best route to the closet emergency medical facility.
Yes.
Habitat would prefer animals (pets) and small children not be at the site due to the nature of the work. This is a construction site and it can be dangerous for pets and small children. |