Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Habitat and HfHMC

What is Habitat for Humanity’s mission?

Habitat invites people of all faiths and all walks of life and from all ethnic, racial and national origins to work together in partnership, building houses with families in need. Habitat builds relationships first with potential low-income working families (Partner/Owners) and then builds decent affordable houses with them.

Why is building decent affordable shelter important?

Habitat’s building program benefits the local community in several ways. Building new houses and turning them over to partner/owners converts non-productive land into taxable properties. In providing affordable homes to low-income working families, Habitat helps to reduce the pool of substandard housing in the community. By involving hundreds of volunteers in its housing ministry, Habitat stimulates the spirit of hope for the community and offers proof that cooperative work can lead to tangible results. And, perhaps most importantly, Habitat provides a fresh start for partner/owners families by empowering them with the independence and self-respect that come from owning one’s own home.

Does Habitat give its homes to low-income families?

No. Habitat builds its homes for and with God’s low-income working people and then sells it to them with no down payment and no interest. Monthly payments are generally lower than the average rent for same-sized home or apartment.

Where does Habitat get the land on which these homes are built?

Building sites (lots or parcels) are donated to our local affiliate by their owners (mainly individuals or churches); some lots come from the Land Bank Program; more recently, lots have been obtained from the Mahoning County Delinquent Tax Lien Program. Habitat affiliates in other areas sometimes have no choice but to buy lots on which to build.

Is Habitat another Government program?

No. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit ecumenical housing ministry. HfHMC is a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Each affiliate selects its own projects and families and raises the resources to accomplish its program goals. HfHMC receives generous donations from individuals, churches, corporations, foundations, and community service clubs (Rotary, Lions, etc.). Government or tax dollars, for example HUD funds, may only be used for infrastructure (footers, foundations, sewer, water and gas lines, etc.). Also, our local affiliate holds major fund raising events. (Visit the “Fund Raising Activities” page on this web site.)

Where does HfHMC obtain its building materials and equipment like appliances, kitchen cabinets, bath and plumbing equipment, furnaces, etc.?

Whirlpool donates the refrigerators and stoves plus sells washers and dryers at deep discounts. (Sheely’s has donated washers and dryers also.) Lumber, insulation, roofing and siding are provided at heavily discountedprices. Some materials/equipment are donated such as plumbing pipe, water heaters, furnaces, etc. Concrete is also donated.

Who does the Building Code work on Habitat homes?

All Code work must be done by construction professionals and must pass the City and/or County Inspection standards. All Electrical, Heating and Plumbing work is done at no charge by Building Trade Apprentice Programs in those fields. All foundation work (grading, excavation, slabs and walks) is done by certified sub-contractors either at no charge or at discount.

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes. HfHMC is a 501(c) 3 tax-exempt organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Are any HfHMC houses currently under construction?

Yes. Visit the “Construction Projects” page on this web site.

How many volunteers does it take to construct a home and how long does it take?

It generally takes 15-20 volunteers including partner/owner families to work each Saturday for about four months to construct a Habitat house. This does not include the plumbing, heating and electrical work which are done by trade union apprentices.

Can I help – other than working on house construction?

Yes. Visit the “Get Involved” page on this web site.

How do I apply to become an HfHMC Partner/Owner?

You can contact HfHMC in one of the following ways: Call (330) 743-7244 and leave a voice message or send an e-mail to hfhmc@sbcglobal.net.

Do I have to be a Christian or a member of a minority to become a Habitat homeowner

No. While Habitat for Humanity is a Christian organization, partner/owners are chosen without regard to race, creed, gender, marital status, or national origin. This is both in keeping with the requirements of the U.S. Fair Housing Act of 1968 as well as Habitat’s fundamental operating principles.

Do I have to be skilled at some phase of construction in order to work at a Habitat building site?

No. Our Habitat Site Supervisor or some of our volunteers will be happy to show you how to do wood-working, dry wall, insulation, siding, painting, roofing, or a dozen other tasks. Many of our long time volunteers have learned on the job and now are highly skilled workers. Plus there is plenty of non-skilled lifting, carrying, go-fering required all the time at our sites. So if you are at the learning stage, come and we’ll teach you how to build a house. It’s a whole lot of fun!