Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing in your town, in your city, in your state and worldwide.
Habitat brings together people with resources and people in need to build simple, decent, affordable houses. The homes are sold to those in need at no profit, through no-interest loans. Founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller along with his wife Linda , Habitat for Humanity has built and sold more than 100,000 houses, providing shelter for more than 500,000 people worldwide.
Habitat has affiliates in every state of the United States and in 82 other countries around the world.
To qualify, you must meet the 3 following requirements:
- You must have a need for a house due to currently living in bad housing or in housing that is too expensive as compared to your income.
- You must have a steady income that enables you to make monthly mortgage payments of around $200 while also maintaining the home.
- You must put 400 hours of Sweat Equity into the house you will be getting. This is your down payment.
According to Tony Sulkevich, a board member and active participant in the Hazleton affiliate, houses are generally donated to the organization. Then, using donated money and material, repairs and improvements are made to the home. Upon completing the home, the approved applicant moves into the home and is given a mortgage to pay back their direct costs at 0% interest.
I had an opportunity to stop by at their current project on 2nd Street and was given a tour by Al Cupp, affiliate board member and active project participant......
The kitchen was already completed, but as we walked through each room you can see the walls broken open for new wiring, plumbing and insulating. The upstairs bathroom was completely gutted and is being installed totally from scratch. Mr. Sulkevich was there, but was busy installing PVC water lines.
Upon further inspection, the attic revealed the true age of the home as the knob and tube wiring and fuse bars became apparent, as well as being able to see the light of day through the eaves. A lot of work was already done and there is still much to go.
All during my tour, the steady sound of work filled the air. There were volunteer workers busy at their jobs, from the basement to the attic. Their reasons for being here may vary, but the work they do is a blessing and is appreciated by all.
None of the directors or participants get paid in any form. All monies are used for materials and direct operating expenses. As more houses and materials are donated, more families are placed and the mortgage payments add money back to the pool of resources they have to work with. It's a wonderful circle where the monies are used again and again.
Do you have a vacant house that you really don't need? You should consider the blessings of donating it to this wonderful organization. In addition, if you are a wholesale or retail outlet of building materials, sell them at cost to this organization or even provide them with your overstocked items at greatly reduced prices. Your contributions will really make a difference.
Let's all give a "Happy New Year" to the Habitat For Humanity by contributing housing and materials or volunteering your time. Lets help them to bring somebodies Dream Alive.
More information about Habitat For Humanity can be found at their Website http://www.habitat.org/how/.
