FAQ
| Q: | How does Habitat work?
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| A: | Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with Habitat homeowner (partner) families and volunteers. Habitat homes are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable, zero-interest loans. The homeowner is responsible for the monthly mortgage payment. The revenue received from the mortgage payments is used to support Habitat’s programs.
Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and the monthly mortgage payments, homeowners are required to invest hundreds of hours (500 hour requirement) of their own labor – “sweat equity” -- into building their Habitat home and the homes of others.
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| Q: | How many homes does Habitat build? |
| A: | Habitat for Humanity South Palm Beach County was founded in May 1991 and has completed 79 homes as of September 30, 2009. During the July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008 fiscal year, Habitat for Humanity South Palm Beach County started construction on seven homes and completed four. During the next fiscal year, 7 homes were completed. During 2009-2010 we plan to build ten! |
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| Q: | How does a Habitat mortgage work?
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| A: | After Habitat helps build the home, the organization takes on the role of “lender” for the zero-interest mortgage. The revenue received from the homeowner’s monthly mortgage payments is used to support Habitat’s programs.
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| Q: | Do Habitat houses reduce property values in a neighborhood?
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| A: | Low-cost housing studies in the United States and Canada show affordable housing has no adverse effect on other neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat houses have increased property values and local government tax income.
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| Q: | Does Habitat for Humanity International dictate policy and practices for every local Habitat organization?
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| A: | Habitat operates through locally governed affiliates with a strong emphasis on grassroots organizations and local autonomy. Habitat affiliates are independent, nonprofit organizations that operate within specific service areas in a covenant relationship with Habitat for Humanity International.
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| Q: | Are Habitat homeowners on welfare? |
| A: | While some Habitat homeowners receive Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), many more are working people. Typically their annual income is less than half the local median income in their community.
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| Q: | Was Habitat for Humanity founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter?
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| A: | Habitat was started in 1976 in Americus, Ga., by Millard Fuller along with his wife Linda. President Carter and his wife Rosalynn (whose home is eight miles from Americus, in Plains, Ga.), have been longtime Habitat supporters and volunteers who help bring national attention to the organization's house-building work. Each year, they lead the Jimmy Carter Work Project to help build houses and raise awareness of the need for affordable housing.
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