HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

July’s mission focus was Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 as a non-profit Ecumenical Christian housing organization. Its mission is to provide well-built homes at low cost for people in need.  More than 75 new homes have been built in 20 years in central Illinois.
Habitat for Humanity Greater Peoria offers a unique program where individuals, corporations, churches, and organizations work together to eliminate poverty housing.

  A joint venture, homes are built by financial sponsors who cover the cost of building materials and provide volunteer labor to build the home.  Partner families meet program criteria, contribute 350 of their own sweat equity hours, and attend several homeowner workshops.  Partner families then purchase their homes via no-interest, no-profit mortgages.  Mortgage payments are placed in a revolving fund that is used to build more homes in the community.
Studies show that home ownership can change the lives of families living in poverty.  Children of homeowners are: 25% more likely to graduate high school; 116% more likely to graduate college; 20% less likely to become teenage mothers; 59% more likely to own their own home one day.
 
Habitat applicants must meet four criteria to qualify for the program:  income guidelines; need; ability to re-pay the mortgage, and willingness to partner.  Most Habitat applicants need a minimum of $1,800 to $2,000 in monthly income to qualify.  There are maximum income limits as well.  The need for housing includes current living space that is in poor repair, overcrowded, or located in an unsafe neighborhood.  Credit checks are done to help determine the ability to re-pay the mortgage.
     In order to support the mission of Habitat for Humanity the mission committee donated $1,000 and sponsored a Road Rally to educate the congregation about Habitat for Humanity and collect needed supplies.