Family Support ProgramThe Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently conducted a study of Habitat of Humanity International, which clearly indicated the need for and the importance of a strong family support program. Habitat South Palm Beach recognizes that an affordable mortgage is only one part of becoming a successful homeowner. The Family Support Program is designed to empower families through education, resources and ongoing, individualized support. It strives to create independence and health in individuals, children and families as well as increasing the overall health within the community.
The goals of the program are to:
- Empower families by requiring an investment in the process of securing affordable housing
- Provide education, resources and support necessary for Habitat families to become self-sufficient, responsible homeowners and neighbors
- To ensure that the families selected complete the program and obtain homeownership
- To positively change the living standards of the family and their surrounding community
The program enables Habitat South Palm Beach's partner families to foster partnerships, instill pride in homeownership and develop skills and knowledge of home construction and proper home maintenance. Every Habitat homeowner, in addition to completed the required minimum of 500 "sweat equity" hours, is required to participate in a series educational workshops that address topics such as: financial literacy, cleanliness and home maintenance, preventative health care, effective parenting, hurricane preparation and energy conservation, and more. The goal is to hold workshops on the 3rd Saturday of every month at the Habitat for Humanity office in Delray Beach.
Success of the Family Support Program is measured on three levels:
- Completing the homes on time in partnership with the homeowner families, local volunteers and home sponsors, at the lowest cost
- The continued successful occupancy of the home by the Habitat family
- Creating a positive change in the living standards of the family and of their surrounding community
On Monday, August 25, 2008, Family Support Partners met to learn more about the program.
Pictured here are (front row): Alejandro Lopez, Doug Parker, Judy Ijams
(back row): Roz Frankenstein, Diane DeChello, Ethel Kadwell, Thelma O'Neal, Florence Newsome & Cheryl Sullivan
Role of Family Support Partner
As a Family Support Partner for Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County, you will work with a family approved for home ownership with our affiliate. You will represent the concerns of Habitat and the concerns of the Habitat Homeowner Family. One of the most difficult parts of your job will be to discern when love requires a helping hand or when it requires encouraging independence. Some families may not need as much support as others may. We hope and believe that a new home purchased at no profit and no interest will be an impetus for families to move forward spiritually, economically, socially and educationally.You are primarily responsible and accountable to the Family Support Committee. From time to time you will communicate directly with others involved in the affiliate. Your responsibilities will begin when a property is assigned to a family and will continue until approximately one year after the family has moved into their new home. You will be given a family profile before you meet with them for the first time.
RESPONSIBILITIES of a Family Support Partner:
· Contact your Habitat family by phone, or in person, to introduce yourself.
· Attend the signing of the non-binding agreement (a meeting where the deposit is made and initial documents are signed). At this time the Family Selection Committee officially transfers the family to the Family Support Committee.
· Work with the Family Services Coordinator as the time approaches for the Groundbreaking ceremony and make sure the family understands what their obligations are.
· Attend Groundbreaking ceremony.
· Attend the final signing at the real estate closing with family, to support them and encourage them to ask for clarification of terms, if necessary.
· Accompany your Family Partner at the formal walk-through of the home near the time of the closing.
· Work with the Family Services Coordinator as the time approaches for the Dedication ceremony and make sure the family understands what their obligations are.
· Attend Habitat Homeowner Education Workshops with family. Although these are optional for you, they are required for approved families who are not yet living in their homes. We need your help to emphasize the importance of attending these mandatory Saturday meetings.
· Attend the house Dedication ceremony. Note: It is customary for Support Partners to prepare and deliver a brief expression of their experience with the family in achieving the goal of homeownership. It is also a custom to present the new homeowner keys!
· Contact your family at regular intervals during the first year of occupancy.
· Attend the final walk-through, one year after move-in.
· Check to be sure that your Family Partners are keeping track of their sweat equity hours. Report to the Family Services Coordinator if there are any concerns. You may volunteer at the building site to add up to 50 hours to the family’s sweat equity hours, if you so desire.
· Assist, as necessary, in making decisions regarding colors of items for the house, such as floors, blinds and exterior paint colors and in keeping track of building materials information for the homeowner’s records. (usually done at the non-binding agreement)
· Offer assistance to the family with the transfer/establishment of telephone, electric, water or any other special services.
· Make sure the family has plans to purchase or share a lawn mower and basic cleaning and repair tools for their house.
· Habitat families are partners in the ministry, as are other Habitat volunteers. Look for opportunities to involve the family in Habitat activities such as dedications, dinners, committees or other functions.
· Answer questions regarding the affiliate; serve as a liaison between Habitat and the family. Mediate trouble spots. You may be asked by the family or the office to assist in solving communication problems.
· If you become aware of special needs of the family and the family cannot find resources on their own, bring these concerns to the attention of the Family Services Coordinator.
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