Fact: Habitat for Humanity International
offers a homeownership opportunity to families unable to obtain
conventional house financing—generally, those whose income
is 30 to 50 percent of the area's median income. In most cases,
prospective Habitat homeowner families make a $500 down payment
and contribute 300 to 500 hours of "sweat equity" on the
construction of their home or someone else's home. Because Habitat
houses are built using donations of land, material and labor, mortgage
payments are kept affordable.
Myth: Habitat
houses reduce property values in a neighborhood.
Fact: 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.
Myth: Only African Americans get
Habitat for Humanity homes.
Fact: Habitat builds houses in partnership
with those in need—regardless of race, religion or any other
difference—who meet three criteria: need; ability to repay
the no-interest, no-profit mortgage; and a willingness to partner
with Habitat. According to the latest available statistics (through
1997), 33 percent of Habitat homeowners are Anglo; 67 percent are
people of color.
Myth: Habitat for Humanity International
dictates policy and practices for every local Habitat organization.
Fact: 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.
Myth: Habitat homeowners are on
welfare.
Fact: While some Habitat homeowners receive
Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), many more are working
people. Typically their annual income is less than half the local
median income in their community.
Myth: You have to be Christian
to become a Habitat homeowner.
Fact: Habitat for Humanity is a Christian
organization. However, homeowners are chosen without regard to race,
religion or ethnic group, in keeping with U.S. law and with Habitat's
abiding belief that God's love extends to everyone. Habitat also
welcomes volunteers from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace
Habitat's goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world.
Myth: Habitat
for Humanity is an arm of the government.
Fact: Habitat is an ecumenical Christian
housing organization. It is neither an arm of the government nor
an arm of any church or denomination. It does not accept government
funds for the construction of new houses or for the renovation or
repair of existing houses. Habitat does accept government assistance
for the acquisition of land or houses in need of rehabilitation.
Habitat also accepts government help for streets, utilities and
administrative expenses, as long as the funds carry no obligations
that would limit Habitat's ability to proclaim its Christian witness.
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