What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization. We are dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Our ministry was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent place to live in dignity and safety. Learn more at www.habitat.org.
What is Clay County Habitat for Humanity?
As an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, we work in partnership with local families and volunteers to build and rehabilitate simple, decent homes for qualified families in need.
What is our mission?
Building safe, decent and affordable housing in partnership with the community and God’s people in need.
What is Clay County’s Habitat’s relationship to Habitat for Humanity International?
Clay County Habitat for Humanity is one of more than 1,400 US communities and 70 countries that Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) works with to provide housing for more than 9.8 million people throughout the world. Habitat affiliates are independent, nonprofit organizations that are organized by local citizens and operate with local boards and local volunteers. Volunteers provide most of the labor, and corporate, faith-based and individual donors provide the money, materials and labor necessary to build Habitat homes.
How does it work?
Our program is a hand up, not a hand-out. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses alongside our homeowner (partner) families. Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their Habitat house and the houses of others. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with low interest loans, based on eligibility. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses.
How are the houses built?
Habitat homes are built with the labor and skill of hardworking families building alongside dedicated volunteers. The workers are supervised by our skilled construction staff who oversee the construction of each home.
Habitat homes are built to be in-style with the neighborhood and increase property values to the area. Our guiding principles for every build is the home will be safe, decent, and affordable. All homes are built with the highest safety and health standards.
What does “more than homes” mean?
In addition to building quality, affordable homes for qualified families in need at no profit, we also guide our partner families through home ownership and provide financial educational opportunities so that they may build brighter futures for themselves and their children.
All Clay County Habitat future homeowners go through a first-time home buyers’ class that is taught by Family Foundations. In this 8-hour class they are taught their rights, the process of home buying from application to closing, how to budget to avoid delinquency and prepare for unexpected expenses. The class is HUD certified. This class ensures proper understanding of their financial situation and how to maintain good financial standing. Other required classes include additional budgeting classes, home maintenance, safety, and estate planning.
Do I have to be skilled to help build a Habitat home?
No! While having skilled volunteers helps, our staff will train anyone willing to help eliminate substandard housing in Clay County. Still nervous about working out on the construction site? We can always use volunteers in the office, on a committee or in our ReStore.
How is home construction paid for?
It costs roughly $120,000 (excluding land and infrastructure) to build a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom Clay County Habitat home. This price can vary depending on where the house is built and the size of the house. Habitat purchases materials with donations from individuals, churches, businesses and civic organizations. No government funds are accepted for the construction of homes. In some cases, we do receive some government funding to help purchase land and pay for infrastructure. In addition, all homeowner mortgage payments are placed in a revolving Fund for Humanity that is used to build more homes each year.
How does Habitat work with the government?
Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) has a Government Relations and Advocacy team that works with legislators and housing regulators to increase support for affordable homeownership and eliminate poverty housing. HFHI also monitors public policies related to housing, community and international development, while advocating for policy choices that increase access to decent, affordable housing for people around the world.
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes, Clay County Habitat is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
How are families selected for home ownership?
After attendance at an Informational Meeting you can apply for housing. Then a volunteer Family Selection Committee reviews applicants and follows a non-discriminatory selection process based on level of need, ability to repay the loan and willingness to partner with Habitat. The Committee then makes a recommendation for housing to the Board of Directors who make the final decision for home ownership.
How can I help?
Clay County Habitat needs more of what everyone needs – money and time. We always appreciate monetary donations in any form (one-time, estate planning, etc.), as well as donations of land or materials. You can also volunteer your time on the construction site, on a committee (house selection for example), in the ReStore or in the office. Getting the word out about Clay County Habitat in our community is also helpful. Your involvement will make a BIG difference!
What Holidays are Clay County Habitat administration office and the Restore closed?
The Administration Office will be closed on the following Holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Good Friday
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth National Independence Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Day after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
The ReStore will be closed on the following Holidays:
- New Years Day
- Independence Day (4th of July)
- Thanksgiving Day
- Friday after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
Please note that any closures due to inclement weather will be announced on the Clay County Habitat Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/