Does Habitat give houses away to people in need?
Houses are not given to anyone. Habitat builds homes with the participation of low income families and individuals, and then sells them to homeowner partners through low or no interest loans. Because houses are built principally by volunteers, mortgage payments are reasonable for families unable to obtain conventional financing.
Is Habitat for Humanity a government agency?
Habitat is an independent, non-profit Christian housing ministry and an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. It is not a part of government, or of any particular church denomination. Habitat does accept government funds as long as they do not affect Habitat’s ability to proclaim its Christian witness.
How are families selected to receive Habitat houses?
- SCHFH’s family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their need for housing, willingness to partner, and ability to pay.
- SCHFH is an Equal Opportunity Lender.
Qualifying applicants must be legal residents of the United States, living or working in Brevard County for at least one year prior to applying, and be living in inadequate conditions. A volunteer family selection committee reviews all applicants and follows a non-discriminatory selection process based on housing need and ability to repay the loan.
Habitat homeowners typically have incomes that are between 30% and 80% of the median income in the area. They are required to invest at least 200 hours of sweat equity that is, time spent volunteering in our community, taking homeowner educational classes, building their own home and other Habitat houses.
What are the income requirements for applicants?
Between 30% and 80% of the area median income for Brevard County based on family size.
How long will it take before I move into my house?
From acceptance into the program until you move into your new home can take 24-36 months.
How much is the average monthly house payment?
Habitat homes are made affordable based on the overall household income.
Are Habitat homeowners are on welfare?
While some Habitat homeowners do receive public assistance, most work at low-wage jobs. Habitat works in good faith with people who often are at risk in society. We know that owning a home is not the answer to every problem, but that it can be an important step, often the first step toward helping people break out of the cycle of poverty.
Do I have to be employed?
You must have a verifiable steady income and meet the household income minimums.
Qualifying income includes, but is not limited to child support, alimony, SSA, SSI, retirement and income from your employment.
30-80% of Area Median income (AMI)
Where do you build?
Brevard County
What size house can I get?
Your home size will be based on the current needs of your family in accordance with SCHFH’S house size policy.
Can a single person apply?
Married, or single people can apply and you don’t have to have children to qualify.
Was Habitat for Humanity started by the late U.S. President Jimmy Carter?
Habitat for Humanity International was started in Americus, Georgia in 1976 by the late Millard Fuller, along with his wife, Linda. The late U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, were longtime Habitat supporters and volunteers who help bring national and international attention to the organization’s work. They led the annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project to help build houses and raised awareness of the need for affordable housing.
Do Habitat houses lower neighborhood property values?
Many studies of low-cost housing show that affordable housing has no adverse effect on other neighborhood property values. Habitat’s approach to affordable housing improves neighborhoods and communities by strengthening community spirit and increasing the tax base while building better citizens through the cooperative efforts involved in Habitat construction.
Is Habitat for Humanity local, national or worldwide?
Because poverty housing is so widespread, Habitat’s work is throughout the United States and around the world.
Space Coast Habitat for Humanity is not a chapter of Habitat for Humanity International but an affiliate, a grass-roots organization of local people coming together to address local housing needs. Each Habitat affiliate is an independent non-profit organization that operates within specific service areas under a covenant relationship with Habitat for Humanity International and is responsible for raising all of their own funding locally.
While Space Coast Habitat serves our local community, Habitat for Humanity International started in the Southern United States and is based in Americus, and Atlanta, Georgia. However, Habitat has headquarters in San Jose, Costa Rica; Pretoria, South Africa; Bratislava; Slovakia; and Bangkok, Thailand. Habitat is a global partnership drawing families in need together with volunteers and resources to build simple, decent houses all over the world in more than 90 countries.
Do you have to be a Christian to become a Habitat homeowner?
Habitat for Humanity was founded as, and is a Christian ministry. However, homeowners are chosen without discrimination, following the requirements of the law as well as Habitat’s belief that God’s love extends to all. Habitat welcomes people from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace the goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world.
How can I help?
You can volunteer on construction sites, serve on the selection committee, teach classes for partner families, make a donation of land, materials or money; work in our ReStore, donate furniture, appliances or other household items or simply spread the word!
Contact: jen@spacecoasthabitat.org or 321.728.4009 x102