GENERAL
How do you raise the money for a Habitat home?
Money is raised through various grants we may apply for; our annual Gala fundraiser each year; individual contributions; church donations; special events; and revenue generated from our ReStores as well as mortgage payments from our homeowners.
What does tithe mean?
Our affiliate is part of Habitat for Humanity’s Tithe program. We tithe to Zambia and Haiti. That means, for every new home we build in the Sandhills, we commit to building a home internationally in these countries. To date, we have built 203 homes abroad.
How do we communicate with our stakeholders?
Monthly newsletters/e-newsletters: Regular updates on events/stories/projects sent out at the beginning of the month and are handed out at meetings and online to about 4,000 subscribers.
Annual Report: This document includes the financial snapshot of the completed fiscal year and future plans for the next year.
Social Media: Facebook is used daily to promote or share stories about Habitat’s daily activities.
What is the Spring Gala?
The Spring Gala is the main fundraising event that raises a significant amount of money for the affiliate. On average, 200+ people attend. Dinner, live and silent auctions have been part of the evening, but it is an evolving event, and your suggestions are invited. A tremendous amount of work goes into planning this event. Staff and Board members are encouraged to attend.
Is Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills a government agency? Do you receive money from the government?
No, Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills is a 501 (3)(c) non-profit organization. However, we work closely with the local government to make affordable home ownership possible in our community. We partner with The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency to receive grants for building energy efficient homes and 0% loans when needed for continued construction. We receive the bulk of our funding through private donations, corporate sponsorships, and faith partnerships.
What is the quality of your homes?
The quality is basically the same as in any new home, but we do not provide extras. Each home is energy star certified and has up to 1,350 square feet of floor space.
Do Habitat homes reduce property values in the neighborhood?
Low-cost housing studies in the United States and Canada show affordable housing has no adverse effect on other neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat houses have increased property values and local government tax income.
Does Habitat make money on the homes built?
No, Habitat does not make money on the homes we help build. Instead, monthly mortgage payments are used to help us build more Habitat homes for hardworking families.
Are most Habitat homeowners on welfare?
While some do receive public assistance, most homeowners work at low-wage jobs. Our local homeowners include employees of local restaurants, hospitals and veterans. Habitat for Humanity works in good faith with people who often are at risk in society, knowing that owning a home is not the answer to every problem, but can be an important step—often the first step—toward helping people break out of the cycle of poverty.
HOMEOWNERSHIP
How much is the monthly mortgage payment for homeowners?
In addition to the 0% equivalent principal, a homeowner must pay escrow for homeowners insurance and taxes each month. The mortgage payment will not exceed 30% of the homebuyers monthly income.
Who qualifies for a Habitat home?
The applicant must have lived or worked in Moore, Hoke or Richmond county for at least one year. They must also have lived independently for at least 18 months. Families earn between 30%-80% of the county median income for their family size. Our Board of Directors has adopted three criteria to qualify for a home: need for better housing, ability to pay for a home, and willingness to partner. Need is measured in many ways; i.e. insufficient or unsafe water or sewer, needed repair, too many people living in the home or high rent. Ability to pay requires a steady income and reasonable credit. Willingness to partner includes how well an applicant responds to getting required paper work completed and their willingness to do sweat equity and attend monthly classes.
What is sweat equity and how does it work?
Sweat equity is the term used for the hours a prospective person who will live in a Habitat home must give. Each adult is responsible for 300 hours of sweat equity, half of which they must do themselves. Friends and family may assist with the other half. Teens between 14-18 years of age who will live in the house must perform 60 hours of sweat equity. Children 18 and above who will live in the house must do 300 hours.
Who decides who gets a Habitat home?
The Homebuyer Selection team meets once per year to review applications. When it appears that an applicant might qualify, two members of that team visit the applicant at the applicant’s home to verify information on the application and ask or answer additional questions. The home visit reports are reviewed by the team and triaged based on level of need. The team discusses any special circumstances that may need to be taken into consideration and then the highest triaged families are approved and report the approval to the Board of Directors.
Do you have to be Christian to become a Habitat Homeowner?
Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian ministry. However, homeowners are chosen without regard to race, creed or nationality-following the requirements of the law as well as Habitat’s belief that God’s love extends to all. Habitat also welcomes volunteers from all faiths or no faith who actively embrace the goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world.
BUILDING HOUSES
How many years is Habitat responsible for the upkeep and maintenance on existing homes?
There is a one year warranty for our homes. Specific warranties for HVAC, roof, etc. are in place and communicated to the homeowners at closing.
How long does it take to build a Habitat house?
That varies with each individual home depending on the homeowner’s hours, the group, church or individual volunteers building the home, weather and inspections, etc. On average, it takes about 8 months to complete a home.
Does Habitat build year round?
Yes, we do build our homes year round. In the winter or on rainy days, we may use our Habitat Warehouse on Glasgow Street to pre-build components, storage sheds, etc. Refer to #27 for weather inquiries.