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A Hand Up... Not a Hand Out! |
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| Frequently Asked QuestionsTable of Contents
What is Cass River Habitat for Humanity?Cass River Habitat for Humanity, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, is a nonprofit organization that builds homes in partnership with qualified families in need of adequate and affordable housing. Our goal is to eliminate poverty housing both locally and globally. Back to TopWhat is Cass River Habitat for Humanity's service area?Cass River Habitat for Humanity serves all of Tuscola County, Michigan. Back to TopHow did Habitat come to Tuscola County?Habitat is a grass-roots organization. "Grass-roots" means that the initiative to develop an affiliate came from people in the community and wasn't imposed on the area. The greater the interest in our community in keeping Habitat going, the greater the success of our affiliate. Back to TopHow does Cass River Habitat for Humanity select new homeowners?A Family Selection Committee, made up of local volunteers, uses three
criteria to select people to be Habitat homeowners: Back to TopAre Habitat homes free?No. Habitat is not a charity or "hand-out"
program. Each Cass River Habitat for Humanity homeowner must be willing to help in the
construction of their house. Habitat homes are sold to selected homeowners
at no profit, with a zero-interest mortgage from Habitat. Homeowners pay an
affordable monthly mortgage payment, not exceeding 35-50% of the household income.
In addition, families must put in “sweat equity,” which is explained in the
next question. Back to TopWhat is sweat equity?Sweat equity is the required time a homeowner has to work with the local Habitat affiliate as part of payment for their home. The Cass River Habitat for Humanity affiliate requires 250-400 hours working on their homes and/or other Habitat-related or community service projects. This work can include helping to build the house, doing fundraising, helping to build the home of someone else in the community, etc. Back to TopWhat are the specifications of a typical home?A Habitat home is a simple, adequate, affordable home. Habitat homes are well-built, low-maintenance homes containing the basics without a lot of extras. All homes include an energy-efficient furnace. Back to TopHow long does it take to receive a home?The application process takes approximately 30-90 days. Once construction begins, it could take anywhere from 9 to 12 months to complete the home. Habitat is a long-term solution to a housing need. Back to TopHow does Habitat determine the number of bedrooms?Generally the size of unit being built will be determined before the selection process has begun. Applicants will qualify for a home based on family size; Habitat assumes two children of the same sex per bedroom, regardless of age difference, unless there are documented medical reasons for separate bedrooms. Back to TopWhat choice can be made for a new home?Depending on the site and type of home, homeowners may be able to choose from selected combinations of exterior, floor coverings, counter tops, and window coverings. Back to TopDo you have to know how to do construction in order to volunteer with Habitat?No! Construction teams consist of those skilled in construction and those who have never picked up a hammer before. There are also plenty of non-construction possibilities for volunteering with Habitat. Cass River Habitat for Humanity needs all kinds of help, from fundraising to publicity to volunteer recruitment. Back to TopHow does Cass River Habitat for Humanity help build a community while building houses?Cass River Habitat for Humanity brings together different people from the community to work for the common cause of eliminating poverty housing. By working together through all the tasks necessary for building a home, Habitat volunteers learn the richness of this community and they also learn how much the community is capable of achieving when it comes together for a common cause. Back to TopDoes the money you donate go directly to Cass River Habitat for Humanity?Yes! Back to TopHow is Cass River Habitat for Humanity funded?Cass River Habitat for Humanity funds the houses it builds primarily through local fundraising, grants, gifts, bequests, contributions, and donations. Back to Top |
P.O. Box 146 ~ Caro, Michigan 48723-1561Phone: 989-325-1807 ~ E-mail: info@cassriverhabitatforhumanity.org |
