Going For The Gold-Building on Faith
September 28, 2006 at the Silver Dragon, Chinatown, Downtown Oakland.
Mt. Diablo Habitat for Humanity
Mt Diablo Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical, non-profit organization that builds simple, decent affordable homes with low-income families in need. Through a combination of financial donations, donated land and materials and volunteer labor and 500 hours of “sweat equity” required of the family, Habitat is able to sell the homes at a zero interest rate to the families. Since its incorporation in 1990, MDHfH has provided homes for 62 families in Eastern and Central Contra Costa County. Their concept is to build communities with community partnerships, to change lives through home construction.
Currently the organization is building four single family detached homes in downtown Antioch on a parcel of land that was donated by the city. With the cost of land so high, MDHfH builds homes where it gets donated land. The sponsors of the homes in Antioch are: Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, area faith communities, Coldwell Banker, and the All Women’s Crew of Mt. Diablo Habitat for Humanity.
Mt Diablo Habitat for Humanity promotes the Theology of the Hammer: that people of all beliefs and from all walks of life can come together, pick up a hammer, and help their brothers and sisters build a better life. One of their latest projects, single family homes in Antioch, includes ‘The House Built on Faith’. This project represents a new approach for MDHH. During their annual “Building on Faith Week’ in September 2005 an interfaith service was held to help kick off the campaign for funds and volunteers. This celebration took place on 5th and K streets in Antioch on September 11, and involved members of the Baha'i, Hindu, Christian, and Jewish faiths. This event coincided with the upcoming building project in Antioch, and actually took place at the building site. The construction of four new homes is underway, and Mt. Diablo Habitat for Humanity welcomes all members of the community to help with the project. As seen at the Inter-faith prayer service, people of all faiths are encouraged to become involved with Habitat.
How Does Habitat Work? Through volunteer labor, tax-deductible donations of money and materials, and the sweat equity of partner families, Habitat builds and renovates modest, affordable homes. Completed houses are sold at no profit to partner families and financed through no-interest mortgages typically over a 20 or 30 year period. Mortgage payments are deposited into a revolving "Fund for Humanity" which supports the construction of more houses.
How Pervasive Is The Need For Decent, Affordable Housing? The Bay Area has some of the most expensive property values in the nation, and Contra Costa County ranks among the highest in the area. This county claims more than 13,000 homeless people, over 7,000 of whom are children. There are more than 17,000 low-income households paying over 30% of their income on rent. Clearly there is a need for affordable housing in Contra Costa County, and Habitat works effectively to satisfy this urgent need.
Where Do The Resources Come From To Build A Habitat Home? Money and building materials to build each house are provided through donations from individuals, corporations, various organizations, as well as fundraising events, and zero-interest loans. Habitat accepts government funds only for the acquisition of land and costs that "set the stage" for construction, provided such funds have no provisions attached which would violate Habitat's principles.
How Are Donations Used? Donations received by Habitat are similar to working capital. The funds are invested into building a house are later reinvested in new Habitat houses at a later date.
How Do Families Qualify For A Habitat House? Once a year, over a three month period, Habitat's volunteer family selection committee reviews applications and interviews applicants in their homes, and eventually selects as many families as homes we will build in the coming year. Families are selected based on three primary criteria - the severity of their present housing conditions, their willingness to partner with Habitat and help themselves, and their ability to make the monthly mortgage payments.
How Does The Partnership With Homeowners Work? Habitat is a hand-up, not a hand-out. It is a joint venture in which those who benefit from the housing are involved in the work at various levels. Each homeowner family is required to invest 500 "sweat equity" hours into the construction of their home. This reduces the cost of the house, increases the pride of ownership among family members, and fosters the development of positive relationships with other volunteers.
Can Families Sell Their Home Once They Buy It? Habitat places restrictions on sold homes to prevent buyers from making a windfall profit from the sale of the home. These restrictions generally end after the family has finished repaying their loan so that after twenty years the family claims 100% of the equity.
How Does Habitat Choose Where To Build The Homes? Habitat accepts donations of real estate, employs government grants to purchase land when necessary, and searches for affordable real estate. Cities and local developers must set aside land or property dedicated to affordable housing and we work with city and county governments to be apprised of such opportunities.
Does Habitat Use The Same Design For Every Home? Generally, Mt. Diablo Habitat homes are 1200 square feet, with a car port. We can make homes accessible to accommodate people with disabilities. Families are given a discretionary allowance to use on home furnishings and appliances, and make home color choices. Not all homes are constructed the same way because we work with differing lot shapes and sizes, different family sizes, and our architectural design services are donated.
Who Directs Habitat's Operations? Habitat is run by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board is made up of nearly 20 very committed individuals with a vast array of experience. Our Executive Director manages the day-to-day happenings from the office. With a very small staff, Habitat's success is ultimately due to the hard work of many faithful and experienced volunteers.
How Is Mt. Diablo Habitat Connected With Habitat For Humanity International? Over the last 25 years, Habitat for Humanity International has built or renovated more than 200,000 homes worldwide and is the largest non-profit home-builder in the United States. Mt. Diablo Habitat for Humanity is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). Hundreds of Habitat affiliates are working in all 50 states and in over 50 countries, each working within their communities and making the most of local resources to effectively diminish, and ultimately eradicate, poverty housing. HFHI provides affiliates with logistical support and in return affiliates tithe 10% of their fundraising earnings to HFHI for its international work.
