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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Habitat for Humanity International?
A: Habitat for Humanity International was founded by Millard Fuller
and his wife, Linda. Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical, Christian
housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing from the world
and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. By having
needy and affluent people work together in equal partnership, Habitat
builds new relationships and a sense of community as well as new housing.
Q: Did Jimmy Carter found Habitat for Humanity?
A: No, Jimmy Carter is a big supporter. Millard and Linda Fuller left
their successful business and affluent lifestyle to found this Christian
based organization to help those in need all around the world.
Q: Does Habitat for Humanity build houses for the homeless?
A: Habitat builds houses for working individuals living in substandard
conditions.
Q: Does Habitat give houses away for free?
A: 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.
Q: How does it work?
A: Through tax-deductible donations of money, materials and volunteer
labor, Habitat builds and rehabilitates various homes with the help
of the future homeowners. Houses are sold to partner families for no
profit with no-interest mortgages. Costs of homes differ relative to
location, labor and materials. Currently, a Habitat house in the U.S.
averages $30,000. Overseas houses range from $1,000 to $3,000. Mortgages,
on a no-profit, no-interest basis, are issued over a fixed time period.
Small monthly mortgage payments, including taxes and insurance, are
repaid over an average of 20 years and deposited into a revolving "Fund
for Humanity," which supports the construction of more houses.
Q: How does the partnership with homeowners work?
A: Habitat is not a giveaway program, but is a joint venture in which
those who benefit from the housing ministry are involved in the work
at various levels. Each homeowner family is required to invest sweat
equity hours into the construction of their home. This reduces the monetary
cost of the house, increases the personal involvement of each family
in their home, and fosters the development of positive relationships
with other persons.
Q: How are partner families selected?
A: Families apply to local Habitat projects. A family selection committee
chooses the homeowsers based on their level of need, willingness to
become partners in the program and ability to repay the loan. Every
project follows a non-discriminatory policy of family selection. Neither
race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families to receive Habitat
houses.
Q: How does Habitat work with the government?
A: Although Habitat does not accept government money, other forms of
government support such as land grants, street pavement and sewer hook-ups
are accepted and appreciated by Habitat projects.
Q: What is a campus chapter?
A: Campus Chapters is an outreach program that involves students, faculty,
administrators, staff, chaplains, and others who are active in college
or high school campus life. Students who establish college and high
school chapters of Habitat for Humanity help to eliminate poverty housing
by raising funds and providing volunteer labor for Habitat affiliates
and by promoting increased awareness of the tremendous need for decent
shelter around the world.
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