Salt Lake Habitat for Humanity

What is the mission of Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. Habitat for Humanity seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.

Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.

The finances of a working family are improved by gaining equity in home ownership. Home ownership provides some measure of control over a basic element of life: housing. This control and sense of investment in the community are crucial to breaking the attitude and cycle of poverty.

How are families selected?
Families in need of decent shelter apply after receiving an application at the public meeting. The family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program, credit and their ability to repay the no-interest loan. We follow a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection.

If your family, or a family you know, is in need of decent, affordable housing please go to the Housing Program section of our website for further information.

Where do you get the land?
From individuals, companies, foundations and local cities that recognize the need for lower income housing. Cities donate land as part of their redevelopment programs. We currently need land in Tooele.

How old is Habitat?
Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 by Linda and Millard Fuller in Americus, Georgia. The Fullers felt the quality of housing for many low income families was unlivable. They started Habitat to help hard working people to get good homes in which to raise a family. The Salt Lake Valley Chapter began operations in 1986.

How do you choose homeowners?
Notification of public meetings is typically sent to local non-profit organizations, places of worship, city and county housing authorities, public libraries, and other providers of low-income housing. Applications are disbursed only at the end of each public meeting. The applicants go through an extensive family selection process that seeks people in genuine need who will be good partners with Habitat. Family members must have a steady source of income and earn at least 30% of the area median income based on their family size, in order to repay their mortgage. A maximum income of up to 60% of the county’s median income is the upper qualifying limit.

Is Habitat religious?
Habitat is a non-profit, non-denominational, Christian housing ministry. Habitat welcomes individuals of any religion, race, and ability – We Need And Appreciate ALL Who Participate.

How many houses has Habitat built?
In Salt Lake County, we have completed 64 homes to date. Habitat for Humanity International has built over 200,000 homes and housed over 1,00,000 people worldwide.

Where do you get the money?
Through tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, businesses, places of worship, foundations and grants. We do not use government money except for land, infrastructure development and permit fees.

How are donations distributed and used?
Donations are used as designated by the donor. Undesignated gifts are used where most needed and for administrative expenses.

Who builds the houses?
Volunteers and homeowners. Volunteers from companies and individuals in the community that work closely with Habitat build the homes. Professional labor is used on plumbing, electrical, and mechanical.

Where do you get the materials?
We attempt to get most materials donated. Lowe's has been a major donor of materials. Whirlpool supplies appliances nationwide.

Do you give away the houses?
No, the homeowner buys the house with a $700.00 down payment, a 20 to 30 year no-interest mortgage, and 200 to 400 hours of “sweat equity.” The mortgage payments are used to finance other homes for partner families.

How much does a Habitat house cost?
The prices vary depending upon location, labor, land and materials. Mortgages are figured, based upon what it costs Habitat to build. The cost of a Habitat home in Salt Lake County has historically ranged from $85,000 to $135,000.

How does Habitat prevent homeowners from selling their homes and making profits?
Habitat retains the “Right of First Refusal” to purchase back any home if a homeowner needs to sell. Habitat has the first right to buy the home back at a pre-determined price. As the homes are sold at cost, the difference between the cost and fair market value of the home, or equity initially belongs to Habitat for Humanity. This equity amount is pro-rated and becomes the homeowner’s after completing 12 ½ years of residence in the home. Habitat for Humanity loans are not assumable.

Does a Habitat home affect comp prices in my neighborhood?
Every community must have a certain percentage of affordable housing. Usually you can’t tell by looking which homes fall into that category. Sales of homes designated as affordable housing do not affect the sales price of neighboring houses or the price of comps on appraisals.