How does Habitat for Humanity work

How does Habitat for Humanity work?

Habitat for Humanity's work is accomplished at the community level by affiliates, such as Habitat for Humanity of Columbia County -- 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.

Habitat has built more than 150,000 houses around the world, providing more than 750,000 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.

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 mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor -- sweat equity -- into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.

To volunteer where you live, use Habitat for Humanity International's affiliate search engine to find contact information for your local affiliate. Other opportunities to support Habitat's work also are available -- see Habitat for Humanity International's get involved section.

For additional information, see the other sections of this Web site, see our contact information page, or write or phone our local affiliate.

Family Selection Process:

While Columbia County Habitat for Humanity is not currently taking applications, the Family Selection Committee will file a public notice in the local new papers over the course of several weeks indicating where and when applications will be taken. Families are encouraged to attend a homeownership course at Columbia Greene Community College (prior to the application process) which will prepare them for the knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities of homeownership. Such notices will also appear here on our website, please visit our website often.

The guidelines for approval of the application will include meeting income requirements, credit approval and family visits.

Eligible applicants must be willing to contribute "sweat equity" into the construction of their home which can include hours donated by friends and family members.