FAQ’s

We get great questions from our supporters and volunteers about Habitat for Humanity: How is it funded? Who purchases the homes we build? How does it affect my community? Below are answers to often asked questions.

Question: Does Habitat for Humanity gives houses away?

Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) offers a homeownership opportunity to families unable to obtain conventional house financing — generally, those whose income is 60 percent or less of the area’s median income. Partner homeowner families contribute 250 hours of sweat equity into the construction of their homes or another Habitat for Humanity Clark & Floyd Indiana home and pay a monthly mortgage. Because Habitat houses are built using volunteers and donations, mortgage payments are kept affordable.

Myth: Habitat houses reduce property values in a neighborhood.

Low-cost housing studies in the United States and Canada show affordable housing has no adverse effect on other neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat houses have increased property values and local government tax income.

Question: How do local Habitat organizations operate?

Habitat operates through locally governed affiliates with a strong emphasis on grassroots organizations and local autonomy. Habitat affiliates are independent, nonprofit organizations that operate within specific service areas in a covenant relationship with Habitat for Humanity International.

Question: Is Habitat for Humanity is an arm of the government?

Habitat is an ecumenical Christian housing organization. It is neither an arm of the government nor an arm of any particular church or denomination.

Question: Was Habitat for Humanity founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter?

Habitat was started in 1976 in Americus, GA by Millard and Linda Fuller. President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn (whose home is eight miles from Americus, in Plains, GA), have been longtime Habitat supporters and volunteers who help bring national attention to the organization’s house-building work. Each year they lead the Jimmy Carter Work Project to help build houses and raise awareness of the need for affordable housing.