Habitat for Humanity International is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing from the world and make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.
The Watauga County Habitat affiliate began in 1987 and has now completed 33 homes, and we are building our 34th.
There are three criteria every Habitat partner family must meet to qualify:
- Need: Applicants must be in need due to:
(a) Overcrowded or substandard conditions,
(b) Unreasonable housing costs in relation to gross income,
(c) Physical need requirements,
(d) Unable to get a conventional loan. - Ability to pay: The families we serve are those with an annual income between 40% and 70% of the Watauga County median income. They also must demonstrate the ability to make monthly mortgage payments on a no-interest home loan, and contribute at least $1,200 towards closing costs.
- Willingness to partner: Upon approval, applicants must work between 250 and 500 hours of “sweat equity.” This commitment to becoming a partner with Habitat involves helping volunteers build their house, and training to be a great homeowner and good neighbor in the community.
The average Habitat home in Watauga County costs $200,000 to build. Our building cost consists mostly of building materials and skilled labor from subcontactors. Because most of our labor is from volunteers, we are able to sell the homes we build at an affordable cost to families who are in need.
Our funding comes from a variety of sponsors- churches, corporations, existing homeowners, foundations, civic groups, and individuals. To be a “Home Sponsor,” one must make a donation of $150,000. Volunteers and future homeowners build the homes.
Homeowners pay for the house by making monthly payments on a 0% interest mortgage, typically for 30 years. The average payment is between $550-$600 per month, plus closing costs and escrows that cover taxes and insurance.
Habitat was founded as and remains a Christian ministry. Many of our staff, donors, volunteers and homeowners are Christians; however, we welcome and partner with many diverse organizations and people.
Families are selected based on need for housing, ability to pay and willingness to partner. Religious conviction and practice is not a requirement in any way for home ownership.
A wealthy businessman, Millard Fuller, conceived the concept of Habitat in the early seventies. He sold all his wealth and dedicated himself to pursuing the dream of eliminating poverty housing.
Former President Carter and his wife Rosalyn are incredibly supportive of Habitat’s work and each year labor at the “Jimmy Carter Work Camp” building event either nationally or internationally. President Carter’s association has helped to give Habitat a greater presence and more visibility in the national and international media.
Volunteers need only a willingness to learn skills, a desire to interact with all types of people, and a good attitude. Construction is a very labor-intensive activity in which volunteers carry much of the load. Volunteers are also needed for office work, special events, and at the Habitat ReStore. Learn more about volunteering.
Volunteers should wear clothes that they don’t mind getting dirty, and close-toed shoes are required. Bring a lunch and something to drink. You will also need to complete a volunteer waiver form, which we will also provide on-site.