How we build is just as important as what we build.  Habitat houses are built with a contribution of three hundred fifty hours of "sweat equity", labor on the part of the Partner Families.

By investing themselves in the building process, Partner Families gain self-reliance, self-esteem and new skills.

By investing time, money, materials, and their expertise, Habitat volunteers, donors, organizations, businesses and professional trades gain new relationships, which extend far beyond the immediate impact.  Habitat brings together people from all walks of life, with varied skills and economic backgrounds to achieve a common goal of service to others.

Method
Annually, the Family Selection Committee solicits applicants for Partner Families throughout Cape Area, whose income is between 25% and 50% of the median.  Applicants must be legal residents and have lived in Cape Area for at least one year.  Families are selected based on their need, ability to pay and willingness to partner with Habitat.

Selected families who are successful in completing the requirements will receive a no-interest mortgage on a house built to accommodate their family size and budget.

The Partner Family will be expected to make a nominal down payment prior to their house being built, and will pay an average mortgage payment of $350 - $375 per month.  The Family will also be paying their property insurance and taxes, thereby reinvesting in the community.

The sales of Habitat houses to Partner Families is structured giving Habitat a First Right of Refusal to buy, which assures continued affordability beyond the first owner.  The down payments and monthly mortgage payments are also reinvested and used to build more houses through a revolving fund.  In this way, we can ensure that Habitat homes will continue to meet the need for affordable housing in the Cape Area.

A typical example of annual gross income required to qualify for a Habitat home is between $13,500 and $27,500 for a family of four.

Those persons who are interested should see the Apply for a Home page. Once they have contacted CAHFH, they will receive a brochure with more information and be placed on the mailing list to be notified when applications open.