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What is Habitat for Humanity International?
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.
Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.
Habitat has built more than 125,000 houses around the world, providing more than 625,000 people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter. HFHI was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller along with his wife Linda.
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 moorage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor -- sweat equity -- into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.
What are Habitat affiliates?
Habitat for Humanity's work is accomplished at the community level by affiliates -- independent, locally run, nonprofit organizations. Each affiliate coordinates all aspects of Habitat home building in its local area -- fund raising, building site selection, partner family selection and support, house construction and mortgage servicing.
Is Habitat a charity?
HfHYC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We offer families a "hand up" instead of a "hand out," so we prefer not to call ourselves a "charity." By selling the homes to the families instead of giving them away, Habitat fosters self-sufficiency and independence. In addition, Habitat homeowners are required to contribute 400 hours of "sweat equity" in the construction of their own or others' homes.
Donations to Habitat for Humanity York County are tax-deductible. There are many ways to donate to Habitat for Humanity York County.
Click HERE to find out more or to Donate Today!.
Are there any religious requirements for families, volunteers, or donors?
No. Habitat for Humanity invites and welcomes all families, volunteers, donors, staff and board members, regardless of faith or ethnicity, to actively participate in its work.
How much does the organization spent on "overhead" (management and fund raising)?
HfHYC is committed to keeping overhead costs to a minimum. The only paid staff person is the project manager who is hired on a per-project basis. All other work is performed by our dedicated volunteers.
What committees can I serve on?
Currently there are openings on all of HfHYC Committees for interested volunteers. Contact the office at 207-985-4850 or email us if you would like to serve on a committee.
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Where has Habitat for Humanity York County built houses?
HFHYC has previously constructed single family homes in Hollis: 1989, Limington: 1991, Kennebunkport: 1993, Wells: 1994 and 2002, Kennebunk: 1996, Eliot and South Berwick: 1998, York: 1999, Limerick: 2000, 2003, 2004, and 2005, Springvale: 2001, and Waterboro: 2002 and 2004. Additionally, the group has rehabilitated duplex dwellings in Sanford and Biddeford , both of which were completed in 1995. In 2008, houses were completed in Parsonsield and Alfred. The 2009 project was completed in York and dedicated in January of 2010. The 2010 project will be in Limerick. Map of HfHYC builds
What does a Habitat house cost?
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. Typically mortgages last for 25 years. Our average mortgage payment runs $500-$650 and includes principle, taxes and insurance. The most recent project was appraised at more than twice the cost Habitat is charging the partner family. Often, families pay less to own a Habitat home than they pay for rent on a substandard apartment or house.
What happens if a family wants to sell their house?
It is important to understand that our partner families are not buying their house to "flip it" and make a quick profit. HfHYC is protected from flipping by taking a second "silent" mortgage on the property. This mortgage account, for all equity at completion of the home, is forgiven at the rate of 1/20th per year so long as the partner family has made timely mortgage payments. Thus, when the first mortgage is paid off, the second mortgage will be forgiven.
How can I become a volunteer?
There are many different ways to volunteer! If you are interested in assisting with the Limerick Build, please fill out a Volunteer Form and bring it to the current build location.
Do I need building experience to volunteer on a construction site?
No prior construction experience is required. We believe working on site can provide a valuable learning experience for those seeking basic building skills.
What do I do when I arrive on site?
Upon arrival, volunteers must sign the Volunteer Waiver and Release Form. Everyone must sign the Volunteer Waiver and Release Form each workday before they are allowed to begin work. HfHYC is required to have record of your participation for legal, insurance and statistical purposes. Upon arrival, volunteers will begin safety instruction and receive work assignments from the site supervisor.
What should I wear to the construction site?
Wear sturdy, closed toe shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Also be aware that much of the work is outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather, including wind, sun, rain, bugs or snow.
What should I bring to the construction site? Should I bring tools?
HfHYC will provide the hand tools and power tools you will be using. You may bring your own hand tools if you like but be sure to label them with your name. Also, be sure to bring your own personal comfort items – sunscreen, a hat, bug spray, and layered clothing for weather changes. Please leave your valuables at home.
Can minors work on the construction site?
Due to state laws, volunteers must be 16 years old to work on the construction site. All minors under the age of 18 must arrive with a volunteer form signed by their parent or guardian. Download the Volunteer Form.
Are there non-construction volunteer opportunities available?
There are many other volunteer opportunities. You can volunteer with HfHYC in the office as well as through one of our committees.
Are there any homes being build at present?
We are currently working on a build in York. For more information, click HERE. |
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