What is Habitat for Humanity International?
Habitat for Humanity International is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing from the world and make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.
When was Ashe Habitat started?
The Ashe County Habitat affiliate began in 2008.
How does one qualify for a Habitat home?
There are three criteria every Habitat partner family must meet to qualify:
- Need: Applicants must be in need due to:
- Current living conditions are overcrowded, substandard or public housing
- Current rent and/or utility costs are excessive
- Current rent exceeds 30% of gross income
- Ability to pay:
- Applicants must have the ability to pay an affordable, no-interest mortgage
- Income must be stable and verifiable. Annual income must fall within 30% – 80% of Ashe County’s median income
- Habitat mortgage payments and applicants’ debt cannot exceed 40% of gross income
- Applicants must have satisfactory credit that demonstrates the ability and willingness to repay the mortgage
- Willingness to partner:
- Live and/or work in Ashe County at least 12 months prior to application
- Must be a legal U.S. resident
- Willing to invest “sweat equity” by volunteering 200 hours per adult
- Willing to attend homeowner education classes
- Willing to prepare and maintain a personal budget
- Have no serious criminal background
How much do Habitat homes cost?
The average Habitat home in Ashe County costs $200,000 to build. Our building cost consists mostly of building materials and skilled labor from subcontactors. Because most of our labor is from volunteers, we are able to sell the homes we build at an affordable cost to families who are in need.
How is a Habitat home built and who pays for construction?
Our funding comes from a variety of sponsors- churches, corporations, existing homeowners, foundations, civic groups, and individuals. Volunteers and future homeowners build the homes.
Do homeowners pay for their houses?
Homeowners pay for the house by making monthly payments on a 0% interest mortgage, typically for 30 years. The average payment is between $550-$600 per month, plus closing costs and escrows that cover taxes and insurance.
Is Habitat a Christian organization?
Habitat was founded as and remains a Christian ministry. Many of our staff, donors, volunteers and homeowners are Christians; however, we welcome and partner with many diverse organizations and people.
Families are selected based on need for housing, ability to pay and willingness to partner. Religious conviction and practice is not a requirement in any way for home ownership.
Habitat – Isn’t that the organization that Jimmy Carter started?
A wealthy businessman, Millard Fuller, conceived the concept of Habitat in the early seventies. He sold all his wealth and dedicated himself to pursuing the dream of eliminating poverty housing.
Former President Carter and his wife Rosalynn were incredibly supportive of Habitat’s work and each year labored at the “Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project” building event either nationally or internationally. President Carter’s association helped to give Habitat a greater presence and more visibility in the national and international media.
I don’t have any construction experience. Can Habitat still use me as a volunteer?
Volunteers need only a willingness to learn skills, a desire to interact with all types of people, and a good attitude. Construction is a labor-intensive activity in which volunteers carry much of the load. Volunteers are also needed for office work, special events, and at the Ashe Habitat ReStore. Learn more about volunteering.
What should I bring to the work site?
Volunteers should wear clothes that they don’t mind getting dirty, bring work gloves, and close-toed shoes are required. Lunch and drinks are provided. You will also need to complete a volunteer waiver form, which we will provide on-site.