frequently asked questions
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What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the United States and in more than 70 countries around the world. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat works toward our vision by building strength, stability, and self-reliance in partnership with people and families in need of a decent and affordable home. To date, Habitat has partnered with over 1 million families globally.
How does Habitat for Humanity help families?
People in your community and all over the world partner with Habitat to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and then pay an affordable mortgage.
Are Habitat for Humanity houses free?
These homes are not free. Families in need of decent, affordable housing apply for homeownership with their local Habitat for Humanity. Habitat’s Family Selection Committee selects homeowners based on three criteria:
1. The applicant’s level of need,
2. Their willingness to partner with Habitat, and,
3. Their ability to repay a mortgage through an affordable payment plan.
As part of their willingness to partner, Habitat’s homebuyers invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity, by working alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners. They then pay an affordable monthly mortgage.
Habitat for Humanity follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing Habitat’s homeowners.
Does Habitat for Humanity only build new houses?
Habitat for Humanity works in a number of different ways to create decent, affordable housing.
– In addition to new construction, Habitat also renovates existing homes in many communities, particularly in urban areas.
– Habitat for Humanity helps people repair and improve their own homes and neighborhoods.
– Habitat’s disaster response works with local communities to address a variety of housing needs after natural disasters.
– Habitat’s advocacy work raises awareness and support for decent and affordable housing around the world.
– Outside of North America, Habitat works with partner organizations to serve even more families through innovative financing methods. Habitat Greater Fresno Area currently supports the creation and preservation of safe, decent, and affordable homes in Mexico, Ethiopia, and Nicaragua.
What kind of donations does Habitat for Humanity accept?
Habitat depends on financial donations to fund our work. These donations help families build a place they can call home. Visit our “Donate” page to learn more.
We also have local home improvement stores called Habitat ReStores, which sell reusable and surplus building materials, furniture, and appliances to the public. The money made from these sales is used to help families build a better future. To donate materials, visit our ReStore’s “Schedule a Pickup” page.
For large corporations looking to get involved via bulk donations of goods or to partner with Habitat through volunteer sponsorship workdays, please visit our “Workplace Giving” page.
For vehicle donations, please visit our “Cars for Homes” page.
What is a Habitat for Humanity ReStore?
Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently-used furniture, home accessories, building materials, and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Habitat for Humanity ReStores are owned and operated by local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, and proceeds are used to build strength, stability, and self-reliance locally and around the world.
Visit the Habitat Greater Fresno Area ReStore at 1631 Railroad Ave in Clovis, CA 93612.
Where does Habitat for Humanity operate?
Habitat for Humanity operates in nearly 1,200 communities across the U.S. and in over 70 countries around the world.
What is the organizational structure of Habitat for Humanity Greater Fresno Area?
Habitat GFA’s board of directors oversees the work of Habitat for Humanity Greater Fresno Area.
Our local affiliate office is operated by an administrative staff, professional and support employees, and volunteers.
If you are interested in joining our team as a staff, board, committee member, or intern, visit our “Join the Team” page for more information.