What is the aim for Habitat?

To eliminate poverty housing in the world.

Where do you get the land?

From individuals and local cities who recognize the need for lower income housing.  Cities sometimes donate land as part of their redevelopment programs.

How old is Habitat?

Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) was founded in 1976.   The local Pomona Valley Affiliate was founded in 1991.  Construction began locally in 1991. 

How do you choose homeowners?

Applications are solicited through advertisements, newspapers, places of worship, and cities with displaced families.  The applicants go through a family selection process thatseeks people in genuine need who will be good partners with Habitat. To qualify a family must earn between 30% and 80% of the county’s median income.

Who founded Habitat?

Millard and Linda Fuller.  Millard Fuller was a lawyer from Georgia who felt it was a shamethat working people in the richest country in the world couldn’t afford to buy their own homes.

What is former President Carter’s role with Habitat?

Jimmy Carter’s involvement with Habitat for Humanity International began in 1984 when the former president led a work group to New York City to help renovate a six-story building with 19 families in need of decent, affordable shelter.  That experience planted the seed, and the Jimmy Carter Work Project has been an internationally recognized event of HFHI ever since. 

Each year, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter give a week of their time along with their building skills to build homes and raise awareness of the critical need for affordable housing.  The JCWP is held at a different location each year, attracting volunteers from around the world.

Is Habitat a religious organization?

Habitat is a non-profit, non-denominational, Christian housing ministry dedicated to providing decent, affordable housing.  Habitat welcomes volunteers of any religion, race, and ability—we need and appreciate all who participate.

How many houses has Habitat built?

In the Pomona Valley, we have built and rehabilitated 35 homes to date. Internationally, Habitat has built over 200,000 homes serving over 1 million people.

Where do you get the money?

Through tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, businesses, municipalities,and places of worship.  We also accept grants.

Who builds the houses?

Homeowners and volunteers build our homes.

Do you give away the house?

No, the homeowners purchase the house at no profit with a 2% down payment, a long term(typically 30-year) no interest mortgage, and are required to work 250 to 500 hours of “sweat equity.”

How much does a Habitat house cost?

The prices vary depending upon location, labor, land and materials.  Mortgages are figured based upon what it costs Habitat to build.  Costs per home in the Pomona Valley range from $140,000 to $150,000.

What does Habitat do with the mortgage money?

Mortgage payments are deposited in a revolving account which supports the construction of more houses. 

How does Habitat prevent homeowners from selling their homes and making windfall profits?

Habitat retains the “Right of First Refusal” to purchase back any home if a homeowner needs to sell.  Habitat buys the home back at a pre-determined price that “vests” the homeowner for each year of mortgage payments. 

Does a Habitat home affect comp prices in my neighborhood? 

Every community must have a certain percentage of low-income housing. Usually you can’t tell by looking which homes fall into this category.  Typically, surrounding homes increase in value due to improvements to the pre-existing land that Habitat homes are built upon.