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Q:
How much of the construction process do volunteers actually
get to help with?
A: We use volunteers to help
with almost every aspect of the construction process. We are
constrained by local code to contract all plumbing, electrical, and HVAC
work to licensed professional contractors.
Q:
I would really like to help on one of the construction sites,
but the regular Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday work days do not fit
in my schedule. Do you ever work on other days?
A: We do welcome groups to sign up for work
days Tuesdays-Saturdays. We do not have a regular system for
individual volunteers set up for workdays other than Wednesday,
Thursday, and Saturdays, however keep checking our website for
construction schedule additions!
Q:
I
don't live in Pinellas County, but could I apply for home ownership with
you?
A:
You must have lived or worked in Pinellas County for a year prior to
applying for a home with our organization. If not, you would have to apply to an affiliate that serves your present area.
Our closest sister affiliates are
West Pasco HFH,
HFH of Hillsborough
County, and Manatee County HFH. If you do not live in
one of those
areas, you can locate a more nearby affiliate by visiting Habitat for
Humanity International's Affiliate Search Engine
page. Of course, individuals are free to volunteer or contribute wherever
they please!
Q:
Does
Habitat
for Humanity give houses to poor people?
A:
Our homes are not given to anyone.
Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with those in need and then
sells the homes to these partners.
Because of Habitat’s no-profit, no-interest loans, and because
houses are built principally by volunteers, mortgage payments are kept to
a reasonable level, especially compared to conventional financing for a home.
Habitat homeowners typically have incomes that are 30 to 60 percent
of the median income in the area.
They
are required to invest 400 - 500 hours of “sweat equity” –
time spent building their own home or other Habitat homes.
Q:
Does Habitat build houses only for minorities?
A:
We build houses with people in need without regard to race.
Three criteria drive the family selection process: need; ability to
repay the no-profit, no-interest mortgage; and a
willingness to partner with Habitat.
The U.S. Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibits denying anyone housing
on the basis of race, sex, creed, marital status, color or national
origin. The covenant that all
local affiliates sign with Habitat for Humanity International also
specifies that HFH homeowner families are selected “according to
criteria that do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed or ethnic
background”.
What you may find, however, is that the ethnic makeup of Habitat
homeowners mirrors that of the very-low-income population.
Q:
Are all Habitat homeowners on welfare?
A:
No. While some do receive public assistance - most often in the
form of disability - most homeowners work.
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.
Q:
Do you have to be a Christian to become a Habitat homeowner?
A:
No. Although Habitat for Humanity was founded Christian principles, homeowners
are chosen without regard to creed, both in keeping with
requirements of the law and Habitat’s belief that God’s love extends
to all – regardless of race, creed or nationality. We also welcome volunteers from all faiths – or no faith
– who can actively embrace Habitat’s goal of eliminating poverty
housing from the world.
Q:
Don't
Habitat houses lower neighborhood property
values?
A:
Many studies of low-cost housing show that affordable housing has
no adverse effect on other neighborhood property values.
In fact, Habitat for Humanity believes its approach to affordable
housing improves neighborhoods and communities by strengthening
community spirit; increasing the tax base; and building better citizens
through the cooperative efforts involved in Habitat construction.
The sales price of a Habitat home, while usually under market value,
is not considered a "comparable" for a neighborhood or to be used on an
appraisal of nearby homes.
Q:
Can't Habitat homeowners sell their houses and make a large profit
because of the original low cost?
A:
A Habitat
homeowner cannot profit unfairly from their home. Habitat for Humanity
of Pinellas County has the right of first refusal if the homeowner needs to move
during the period of time that they are paying the mortgage. We
repurchase the home at an agreed-upon formula that is written into their
mortgage when they purchase the home. We also write a silent second
mortgage for the difference between the mortgage and the value of the
home. This second mortgage is forgiven over the life of the
mortgage. The silent second protects our donors’ and volunteers’
investments in our organization by reinforcing our right of first refusal
and discouraging predatory lenders from trying to get a Habitat homeowner
to refinance their 0% interest mortgage. |
