Habitat for Humanity International - HFHI

As a nonprofit Christian housing ministry, HFHI has provided over 1 million people with safe, decent and affordable housing. Founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, HFHI encourages volunteers from all backgrounds and religions to help families in need to build shelters and homes.

Am I eligible?

HFHI makes decisions on families who apply for assistance based on various factors. Allocating HFHI loans is ultimately done by local HFHI affiliate selection committees, but the guidelines remain the same throughout all affiliate offices. Loans are offered to families based on:

• A family's level of need
• A family's willingness to invest sweat equity in the building of their own home and others'
• A family's ability to repay the loan, make a downpayment and monthly mortgage payments

How does it work?

HFHI's work is organized though affiliates, which are locally, operated nonprofit organizations. HFHI is able to build and rehabilitate houses for families in need through volunteer labor and donations of funds and materials. Families who have been approved by HFHI affiliates work together with volunteers to build a simple home, which is then sold to the family for no profit and financed with affordable mortgage payments. Accepted families become partners in the program, and help to build homes for other HFHI homes, with all mortgage payments made going into homes for other families.

What are the alternatives?

If you are part of a household in need in of decent shelter, HFHI is a proven organization that brings families and communities together through home building and manageable financing opportunities. If, however, HFHI is not the right match for you, similar nonprofit organizations that operate based on homeowner sweat equity such as SHOP are available. If you are unable to afford a conventional home loan yet cannot provide sweat equity, it is recommended that you inquire at your local lender for other Federal funded home loans.

Do I really need this type of loan?

If you are unable to provide a conventional downpayment or monthly mortgage payments but can provide sweat equity toward a home, it is recommended that you inquire at your local HFHI affiliate office for details and an application. If, however, you are able to provide a downpayment and qualify for a conventional home loan, it is recommended that you do so.

Can I afford it?

HFHI homes range in price from $800 in developing countries to an average of $6,000 in the U.S. The fact that HFHI homes are profit-free enables low-income families to afford them, and mortgage lengths vary from 7 to 30 years.