FAQs

What is Habitat for Humanity?

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. To accomplish this, we invite people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. Habitat for Humanity homes are sold with affordable mortgages so that low-income families who may not otherwise be able to afford their own home are able to become homeowners.

How does the program work?

Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates simple, decent, homes for hardworking low-income individuals and families. After investing hundreds of hours building their homes and the homes of others, families make a down payment and purchase their home with a no profit mortgage and affordable monthly mortgage payment. Mortgage payments are then invested into the building of homes for other families.

Who qualifies for a Habitat Home?

Potential applicants apply through their local affiliate. Habitat for Humanity uses three selection criteria: need for safe, decent, affordable housing; ability to repay the mortgage; and willingness to partner. Neither race nor religion is a factor in family selection, and every affiliate follows a nondiscriminatory policy, and abides by fair housing law.

How do I apply for a home?

Click here to find your local affiliate and learn more about their application process and building schedule.

Doesn’t low income housing bring down property values?

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 for Humanity houses have been proven to increase property values and contribute to local government tax income. In Colorado, Habitat for Humanity homeowners pay in excess of $1 million annually in property taxes.

What is the difference between an affiliate, State Support Organization, and Habitat for Humanity International?

Habitat for Humanity affiliates are independently run nonprofit organizations at the local level providing safe, decent affordable housing for hardworking low income families. Each affiliate coordinates all aspects of a Habitat for Humanity home, including fundraising, building, partner family selection and mortgage servicing.

Habitat for Humanity of Colorado, a State Support Organization, works to support the local affiliates through resource development, advocacy, disaster response, training and technical assistance.

Habitat for Humanity International is the parent organization overseeing the operations of Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the world.

Why is Habitat needed?

A severe shortage of safe, decent and affordable housing exists in the US and throughout the world. Having a safe place to call home has health, education, employment and wealth creation benefits. HFHI has compiled a list of resources on this topic. Click here to learn more about affordable housing and how it impacts communities in Colorado.

What is a ReStore?

Habitat for Humanity ReStores sell new and used items to the general public. All proceeds generated by the ReStore Stores are re-invested by the local affiliate to fund new homes for Habitat for Humanity families.

Why Does Homeownership Matter?

Between 2000 and 2006 the number of children living in poverty in Colorado increased by an astounding 73%, while the total number of children only increased by 6%.

The minimum wage in Colorado in 2008 was $7.02. To afford the average two bedroom apartment at this wage you would need to work 92 hours per week. This often translates into hidden homelessness and high levels of transiency, as families chase move-in specials and attempt to avoid rent increases each year.

In 2007 the median home price in Colorado was $236,842. A prospective home buyer would need to earn more than $55,000 to afford the average home. This precludes many firefighters, elementary school teachers, carpenters, retail salespersons, tellers, servers and licensed practical nurses from homeownership.

More than half of low-income households in Colorado pay in excess of 50% of their incomes on rent.

THE IMPACT OF HOUSING ON THE LIVES OF FAMILIES RUNS DEEP

Raise children’s academic scores and reduce behavioral problems in school.
Improve attendance at school and work.
Lower rates of chronic childhood illnesses such as asthma.
Move people out of poverty.
Revitalize neighborhoods and raise property values.
Reduce the strain on education, public health, social service, law enforcement, criminal justice and welfare systems.
Bring increased tax revenues to the entire community.
Increase the customer and employee base for local businesses.