Habitat for Humanity

 

Recently our Urban Learning class visited and donated our time to Habitat for Humanity. I honestly can say that I was impressed by Habitat for Humanity. I believe that our class was proud to be part of an organization that gives so much. The organization has established a strong community bond that allows the community for success.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that creates affordable housing to low-income families. In 1976, Millard Fuller had a vision of providing affordable and adequate housing to low-income families. (Habitat For Humanity) Habitat allows low-income families a chance at happiness. By setting up communities such as habitat does the community becomes one. It is people helping people to establish a better life.

According to Habitat for Humanity the non-profit organization is based upon Christian principles.  This is an organization that works with all faiths to establish adequate housing. Habitat has built more than 75,000 homes around the world, providing more 375,000 people in more than 2,000 communities.  This organization establishes secure, decent housing for the people who have the will and enthusiasm to create a house they can be proud of.

In order for a house to be built, funding has to be established. Funding is established through private donors willing to give to a great cause. Housing is provided by numerous donations of money, land, and materials. The housing cost can range from $35,000 to $60,000.  Habitat for Humanity also creates affordable housing through zero interest loans.  Homes are usually sold to families on a 20-year mortgage. According to Habitat there has never been a foreclosure.

            Families are selected through a thorough process.  Families must pay a twenty-five dollar application fee. Family Selection Committee chooses homeowners based on family’s housing needs and their ability to make payment. Each family must show the willingness to acquire a house. This is what they call the Sweat Equity. Sweat Equity is used for their down payment to their new house. Families must volunteer 500 hours or more into the community.

            Habitat for Humanity is a great organization that helps people create a community that they could be proud of.  The community has left an everlasting impression on how a community working together can establish so much. The community has come together to establish community center, which allows the community to further education, after school programs, and recreation for the youth. The community is an ideal community on how every community should be run.

For more information log onto:http://www.habitataz.org/about/about_index.html

 

Home Page