Our Families
Katrina Zielinski & Stephan Ross
The Smith Family
The Niro-Johansen Family
The Marttinen Family
The Lacasse Family
Trevor Tasse & Sherri Hopkins
Who Qualifies for a Habitat home?
The three criteria to qualify for a Habitat home are:
1. Need for affordable/adequate housing - defined by a family income that is below the government set Low Income Cut-Off for their particular region, and exisiting living conditions that are inadequate in terms of structure, cost, safety or size. The ratio of shelter expense to total income is also factored. Current housing that is too small, unhealthy, in disrepair or dysfunctionaly for family needs or generally unsafe also classifies the NEED for adequate housing.
2. Ability to repay a Habitat mortgage - requires that the family has a stable income sufficient to cover the monthly mortgage payments and other expenses that come with home ownership.
3. Willingness to partner with Habitat - by contributing 500 hours of volunteer labour ("Sweat Equity") towards the build of their home. Also in promoting Habitat's program to others by speaking to the media and sharing stories of how this will change their families future.
How are Partner Families chosen?
Partner Families are chosen on the basis of the above criteria. Family selection occurs at the local affiliate by way of an application process.
What do families contribute and what do they receive in return?
In addition to mortgage payments, each homeowner invests their own labour "sweat equity" to build their home and other Habitat homes. In return, Habitat homeowners are given unique opportunity to buy a home through an interest-free mortgage. Thus, gaining substantial equity they would not have if renting. They also acquire a safe, affordable place to live and thrive along with the pride of ownership.
How does Habitat acquire land?
Acquiring affordable land has been one of Habitat for Humanity's greatest challenges. Habitat seeks the assistance of governments at all levels in acquiring suitable donated or cost-reduced land. Habitat also relies on individual donors for land donations. In many cases affiliates must purchase land.
How are the homes built?
Homes are built through volunteer labour, efficient management and tax-deductible donations of money and materials. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers from all walks of life participate in Habitat builds, either individually or as a group - by building, fundraising or servicing the local Habitat committees. Churches, schools, buisnesses and community organization often send a team of volunteers to Habitat builds.
Habitat homes follow standardized design criteria that maintain the "simple and decent" archetype. Most Habitat projects are single dwellings or semi-detached homes, but Habitat for Humanity is expanding its build projects to include restoration and refurbishments, condominiums and townhouse style projects.
How does this program benefit families and communities in the long-run?
Over time, a family's equity in their home increases. Habitat families also often see an improvement in their financial situation since the percentage of their income being spent on housing remains at 25%. Prior to purchasing a Habitat home many of these families are spending over 50% of their income on rent.
A safe, healthy living environment contributes to the positive growth and development of children. Habitat has recorded many examples of children within Habitat families becoming healthier, completing a post-secondary education and establishing successful careers.
Communities benefit as former renters become homeowners who contribute to the tax base. Habitat build projects also offer an opportunity for community members, of all walks of life, to come together and work side by side in a meaningful way.
How are the homes funded?
Habitat builds home with volunteer labour and as much donated or cost-reduced material as possible. Fundraising takes place to help offset expenses of materials,
services and land when they are not available through donations. Financial support is received from individuals, corporations, service groups and the faith community.
How is this a "hand up", not a "hand out"?
Habitat homes are sold to families, not given to them free of charge. In addition, families help to build their own home. By building homes at low cost and not charging interest on the mortgage, Habitat for Humanity is able to provide "an opportunity", or a "hand up", for a family that would not otherwise qualify for a conventional mortgage.
The Revolving Fund fo Humanity
Mortgage payments from the homeowners are retained by the affiliated to fund future projects. The "homeowners" monthly mortage payments go into a fund that is used to build more homes. The more homes that exist, the more cash flow there is available for further building. This "revolving fund for humanity" fuels exponential growth in the number of houses that are built over time.
