Myths vs Facts
Habitat for Humanity is often a misunderstood organization. How is it funded? Who purchases the homes we build? How does it affect my community. And how does Jimmy Carter fit in? We hope to address many of the myths and deliver the facts here.
Myth: Habitat for Humanity give house away for free.
Fact: Habitat for Humanity officers a homeownership opportunity to families unable to obtain conventional house financing. In most cases, prospective Habitat homeowner families make a $1,000 down payment and contribute 300 hours of “sweat equity” on the construction of their home or someone else’s home. Mortgage payments are kept affordable as Habitat houses are built using donations or through deep discounts of land, material and labor.
Myth: Only minorities get Habitat for Humanity homes.
Fact: Habitat builds houses in partnership with those in need - regardless of race, religion, or any other difference. Eligible candidates are those who meet these criteria:
The need for a decent home.
Annual family income between 40% and 70% of the area median income.
Residence or work within the service area continually for the previous 12 months.
The ability to repay an affordable, no-profit mortgage.
A willingness to partner with Habitat.
Myth: Habitat houses reduce property values in a neighborhood
Fact: Housing studies show affordable housing has no adverse effect on other neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat houses have increased property values and local government tax income.
Myth: Habitat houses allow people to move from poverty to fancy new houses
Fact: Any newly-build house is going to be a dramatic change for a family that has been renting and has never owned before, but Habitat houses are not extravagant by any standard. Habitat’s philosophy is to build simple, decent, affordable homes.
Myth: Habitat for Humanity was founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
Fact: Habitat was started in 1976 in Americus, Ga., by Millard Fuller along with his wife Linda. President Carter and his wife Rosalynn (whose home is eight miles from Americus, in Plains, Ga.), have been longtime Habitat supporters and volunteers who help bring national attention to the organization’s house-building work. Each year, they lead the Jimmy Carter Work Project to help build houses and raise awareness of the need for affordable housing.
Myth: Habitat for Humanity is an arm of the government.
Fact: Habitat for Humanity is not an arm of the government. Habitat is an independent, nonprofit organization that accepts some government funds and other resources to help provide houses for those in need. We accept these funds as long as they do not limit our ability to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. Additionally, our local affiliates insert specific guidelines as needed to avoid becoming dependent on or controlled by government funds.
Myth: Habitat for Humanity International dictates policy and practices for every local Habitat organization.
Fact: Habitat operates through locally governed affiliates with a strong emphasis on grassroots organizations and local autonomy. Habitat affiliates are independent, non-profit organizations that operate within specific service areas in a covenant relationship with Habitat for Humanity International.