FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Is Jimmy Carter the founder of Habitat for Humanity?
   No, but he is very involved in Habitat. He has led yearly work camps around the world since 1984. In 1996, President Carter led a 1,200 volunteer team to build 20 homes in Budapest, Hungary. Both he and his wife, Roselyn serve on the Board of Advisors and both speak on behalf of Habitat.
2. Who founded Habitat?
   Millard Fuller founded Habitat in 1976 as an opportunity to change not only his own life style, but the lives of many others. He was a millionaire who donated his time and money to eliminate substandard housing world wide.
3. How are families selected?
   The selection process is based on four criteria: 1) they be a Hamilton County Resident for no less than one year; 2) the need for shelter, they must be living in inadequate conditions; 3) the ability to repay a loan, the homes are sold to families with steady, but low income, at no profit and no interest to keep the mortgage payments low; 4) the willingness to partner, 306 "work equity" hours are required of each adult in the family toward building their home as well as helping in other areas of Habitat's program . This is determined through a Family Selection Committee and involves an in-home interview to talk with the family and evaluate the living conditions, reference checks and complete financial review including credit history and debt ratio.
4. Is there a waiting list?
   Yes, and we are always receiving and screening families who want to participate in Habitat's program. Currently our waiting list takes us into the 2007 building season.
5. How long does it take a family to get a house?
   This is depends on three main factors: 1) funding; 2) the building schedule; 3) the length of time it takes the family to complete their "work equity hours". Normally this takes approximately 24 to 48 months.
6. What is the income requirement for the families?
   When selected, their income must fall between 35% and 75% of the Median Income for the County. This varies based on the number of people in the family.
7. How much does it cost to build a Habitat house?
   The cost is approximately $85,000. The homes are simple but decent, built with mostly volunteer labor and many donated materials. Their market value is approximately $95,000- $110,000.
8. How much is their mortgage payment?
   It is determined by their income level. The payments range from $450 to $600 which includes an escrow account for the payment of insurance and taxes.
9. Have any families failed to pay?
   We have not had a loan default so far. Habitat for Humanity International default rates are well below 2%.
10. Can the family turn around and sell the house at any time?
    Yes, it's their property. However, the Board was concerned that a partner family will purchase the house for cost, and sell it on the open market shortly thereafter for the market value which is considerably more. That would not be fair to our donors and volunteers who sacrifice to help the Partner Families. To keep this from happening, Habitat requires a second mortgage to cover the equity value of the home, the difference between the purchase price at cost, and the market value if sold. Unlike the first mortgage, the second mortgage is forgiven over time. For example, if its a 20 year mortgage, 1/20 is forgiven the first year, 1/20 the second year, and so on. If the partner family lives there all 20 years, the second mortgage is completely forgiven. If they sell at the end of 10 years, 1/2 of the second mortgage is forgiven and 1/2 is due. We believe this arrangement is fair not only to our donors and volunteers, but also to the family.
11. Do you accept only skilled construction volunteers?
    We invite anyone to come out to a building site who wants to be a part of Habitat. Part of our mission is to help teach construction skills to novices.
12. Can kids help on the building site? Are there any restrictions?
    We encourage our youth to share in the spirit of Habitat! However, youth under 16 may not be on the build site except during certain times of the build - i.e.; clean up, and landscaping and then the work will be scheduled through the coordination of our office to ensure there is proper supervision during their time on site.