Habitat for Humanity is a program that is near and dear to my heart. I volunteer whenever I can, and support the Re Store for most of my building needs. This month I would like to focus on the Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity project because Wanamingo is getting a new home built in July for one lucky family.
GCHFH is a non-profit, volunteer-based, ecumenical Christian organization funded primarily by donations and controlled and operated primarily by volunteers. Construction work is mostly completed by volunteers with specialty work by qualified contractors. The organization’s Board of Directors is volunteer, as are various committee members. Paid staff currently consists of one full-time Executive Director, three part-time personnel, and one part-time consultant.
GCHFH’s primary focus is to help qualified families secure affordable home ownership. GCHFH currently builds new, or renovates existing homes to like-new condition, each year throughout Goodhue County. Since it's inception, the Habitat affiliate has helped 47 families acquire safe, stable, affordable housing. Their goal is to provide homes for at least three families each year with plans to increase to five each year. The families help build their own homes and purchase the home with a mortgage that is affordable for them.
Additionally, GCHFH has a Home Revitalization focus consisting of three programs – A Brush with Kindness (paint and aesthetic work), Critical Home Repair (home stabilization – roofs, windows, siding), and Aging in Place (helping older and/or disabled residents safely access and stay in their homes). These programs can often overlap as they deal with homeowner needs. They will further expand and support Home Revitalization programs and are researching and pursuing ways and means to achieve results more efficiently and quickly.
You may wonder who would qualify for a home. The decision is based on 3 things, Need, Ability to Repay, and Willingness to Partner.
1) A family must have a need for housing and will qualify based on their current situation. If their home is unfit to live in, or they are ready to become a homeowner but do not financially qualify for a conventional mortgage, this is the first step.
2) Partner families must demonstrate stable employment and manageable debt to show they can repay the debt on the home. Income guidelines are established by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program. The monthly payment will be no more than 26% of the family's income, and the taxes and insurance are escrowed into that payment.
3) Willingness to Partner is a part of the guidelines. The family must be able to partner up on the build with a minimum of 200 volunteer hours per adult in the household. Friends and family members can assist as well.
Habitat homes are a way to build homes, hope and community. Mortgages are set for long term stability, and families usually stay in their home long term. They cannot move in and then sell the home for financial gain. GCHFH monitors everything to make sure all rules are adhered to, and that all payments are being made.
The near-term objective is to continue the Home Construction program for at least three qualified Goodhue County families per year, and to assist at least one family with Home Revitalization needs in each Goodhue County community and some townships each year. GCHFH plans to remain relevant, vital, fresh, and healthy, which will allow them to grow and adjust as affordable housing needs warrant.
GCHFH is forever grateful for all volunteers and donors have done and continue to do. To learn more about this giving organization, to donate your money, or volunteer your time, go to www.gchabitat.org, and see how you can make a difference in the lives of families in our community!
