Habitat Facts

Question: Does Habitat for Humanity give the homes away?

Habitat for Humanity offers homeownership opportunities to low-income individuals and families who are unable to obtain conventional home financing. Generally, this includes those whose income is 30 - 50 percent of the area's median income.  Habitat homeowners buy their homes through a special Habitat no profit zero interest mortgage.  The typical monthly house payment, which includes their mortgage payment and escrow for insurance and property taxes, averages about $370.  Additionally, Habitat homeowner families contribute hundreds of hours of "sweat equity" on the construction of their home or someone else's home and homeowner education classes. Because Habitat homes are built using donations of land, material and labor, mortgage payments are kept affordable.

Question: Will having a Habitat home in a neighborhood reduce property values?

Housing studies show affordable housing has no adverse effect on neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat homes have proven to increase property values and local government tax income.

Question: Do you have to be Christian to become a Habitat homeowner?

Habitat homeowners are chosen without regard to race, religion or ethnic group, in keeping with U.S. law and with Habitat's abiding belief that God's love extends to everyone. Habitat also welcomes volunteers from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace Habitat's goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world.

Question: Did former U.S. President Jimmy Carter found Habitat for Humanity?

The late Millard Fuller and his wife Linda started Habitat in 1976 in Americus, GA. President Carter and his wife Rosalynn (whose home is eight miles from Americus, in Plains, GA), have been longtime Habitat supporters and volunteers who help bring national attention to the organization's home-building work. Each year, they lead the Jimmy Carter Work Project to help build homes and raise awareness of the need for affordable housing.