Frequently Asked Questions
What is Habitat for Humanity?
How active is Habitat for Humanity in North Carolina?
What is the current project for Chatham Habitat for Humanity?
What is the Habitat for Humanity model?
How is Jimmy Carter involved with Habitat for Humanity?
Why is there a need for affordable housing in Chatham County?
Who are Habitat families?
How does a family qualify for a Habitat home?
How much does a house cost?
What do the homes look like?
What is included in a house?
How much does it cost to sponsor a home?
How can an individual become involved with Habitat?
May I contribute financially?
Q: What is Habitat for Humanity?
A: Habitat for Humanity is an international, nonprofit agency that strives to eliminate poverty housing. Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity International is responsible for building more than 175,000 houses in 100 countries. More than 750,000 people worldwide live in a house built by
Habitat. Habitat is a Christian-based organization yet people from all walks of life are invited to work together to build new homes for families in need.
Q: How active is Habitat for Humanity in North Carolina?
A: There are over 80 Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout North Carolina. Local Habitat affiliates contribute money to the International mission. In fact, Chatham Habitat for Humanity contributes $1500 to HFHI that goes directly to build a home in another country for every house completed in Chatham County.
Q: What is the current project for Chatham Habitat for Humanity?
A: Chatham Habitat began construction in the Westmont Subdivision in Siler City in November 2003 and infrastructure for Phases 1 & 2 was completed in Fall 2004. With all three phases, the subdivision will yield 36 lots for affordable housing. House construction started in March 2004. CHFH also has several houses under construction on Bishop's Way, in the Eastwood Subdivision in Pittsboro. Directions to construction sites.
Q: What is the Habitat for Humanity model?
A: Habitat homes are built based on a partnership between a family and the community. A qualifying family contributes 350 "sweat equity" hours and pays for their home through a zero-interest mortgage loan. Community involvement includes financial sponsorship, in-kind donations and a huge volunteer workforce. Volunteers work along side the family to provide labor during most phases of the home's construction. Volunteer labor that helps keep construction costs low and a 0% interest mortgage are the "tools" that we use to make the monthly payment affordable for the partner family.
Q: How is Jimmy Carter involved with Habitat for Humanity?
A: Former President Carter and his wife Roslyn have been active advocates of Habitat for Humanity. The couple continues to work on Habitat for Humanity's Global Village projects throughout the world.
Q: Why is there a need for affordable housing in Chatham County ?
A: Two Million North Carolinians have a housing problem. 93% of those with housing problems pay more than 30% of their income for housing (NC Housing Finance Agency, NC Housing Facts). Lack of affordable housing results in overcrowding, poor living conditions and excessive household expenses. In Chatham County 2,229 very low income households have a critical housing need (U.S. Census, 2000). This group increased by 15% between 1990 and 2000.
Q: Who are Habitat families?
A: Habitat homeowners are working families who wish to purchase their first home, but who cannot qualify for traditional home loans. Habitat for Humanity is an equal opportunity housing provider and complies with federal regulations regarding discrimination. It considers applicants without regard to race, religion, gender, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
Q: How does a family qualify for a Habitat home?
A: Specifically, families must: 1) Have lived and/or worked in Chatham County for 1 year. 2) Have a stable income between 25 and 50% of the median income in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area (according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development). 3) Have a good history of credit and paying debts. 4) Demonstrate the need for adequate housing. 5) Complete 350 hours of sweat equity. 6) Attend classes in home maintenance, finance (budgeting, debt management and credit), and home ownership.
Q: How much does a house cost?
A: Construction costs for a 3-bedroom house total $50,000 and costs for a 4-bedroom house are $55,000. The cost of land and infrastructure ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 per house. An average monthly house payment, which includes the principal payment as well as property taxes, homeowner insurance, a termite inspection fee, and Home Owners Association (HOA) fees (if applicable), is $450.
Q: What do the homes look like?
A: Check out our photo gallery section for photos of completed homes and homes under construction at Chatham Habitat for Humanity.
Q: What is included in a house?
A: Whirlpool donates a refrigerator and range for each home. The homeowner may purchase a washer and a dryer. Homeowners select color scheme, cabinetry, and flooring. All homes have a front porch.
Q: How much does it cost to sponsor a home?
A: $25,000. Often a group of 12 churches share the cost through an Apostles Build partnership.
Q: How can an individual become involved with Habitat?
A: Volunteer opportunities are available in construction, fundraising, family services, the discount home improvement center, and in the office. Board and committee members are also volunteer positions. Construction volunteers must be at least 16. To request more information on volunteering at Habitat, please call (919) 542-0794 or e-mail us at
lyndastinson@chathamhabitat.org.
Q: May I contribute financially?
A: Money is critical for helping Habitat continue its mission of eliminating poverty housing. Financial support may be in the form of annual contributions, one-time donations, stock gifts, matching gifts and planned giving. Many employers have matching dollars for volunteer hours or will earmark United Way payroll deductions to Habitat for Humanity. Our affiliate is currently seeking land donations.
Contributions can be made via credit card by clicking the link below
OR
Send your contribution to ...
Chatham Habitat for Humanity
PO Box 883
Pittsboro, NC 27312
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