Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County?
HFHSC is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. Chartered in
1994, HFHSC has since partnered with 26 families to assist them in obtaining
simple, decent homes.
2. How does it work?
Habitat for Humanity is not a give-away program. Habitat builds houses
with low income Sumner County families in need. Volunteer labor is used to
keep building costs low. When the home is completed, HFHSC gives the
family a no profit, zero percent interest mortgage. Families are also
required to perform up to five hundred hours of sweat equity, building on their
home or the home of others. As the homeowners pay their mortgage payments,
the money goes into a fund that helps build more homes with low income families
in Sumner County.
3. How are families selected?
Partner families are selected based on four criteria:
a. The family must be low income and living in inadequate housing.
b. The family must be willing to partner with Habitat by doing sweat
equity.
c. The family must have the ability to repay the no profit, zero percent
interest, and twenty year mortgage.
d. The family must be living in Sumner County for a minimum of six months.
4. Where are HFHSC built homes?
Homes have been built throughout Sumner County and in the towns of Gallatin,
Hendersonville, Portland, Westmoreland and Mitchellville.
5. Who builds Habitat for Humanity homes?
HFHSC uses volunteer labor, skilled retirees, and minimal paid professional
labor. Individuals and groups from around Sumner County donate their time
and energy to help build the homes. Partner families invest sweat equity
into building their own homes and the homes of others.
6. How much does it cost to build, and how big
are the homes?
It costs an average of $75,000.00 to build one Habitat home in Sumner County.
The final cost varies depending on the location and availability of land.
The standard home in Sumner County is 1,056 square feet with three bedrooms and
two baths. Each house is furnished with a new range and a new refrigerator
which are donated by the Whirlpool Corporation. The homes do not have
garages or carports.
7. How does HFHSC get money to build the
homes?
HFHSC funding comes from grants, churches, corporations, individuals, special
events, and in-kind donations of materials.
8. Are Habitat homeowners on welfare?
While some homeowners receive AFDC, the vast majority are working people.
Their typical income is less than half of the local median income for Sumner
County.
9. Do the families have to be Christian to
become a Habitat homeowner?
Although HFHSC is a Christian non profit, homeowners are chosen using only the
four criteria mentioned above. In keeping with United States laws and with
Habitat's belief that God's love extends to everyone, Habitat does not
discriminate in its selection process. Habitat also welcomes volunteers
from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace HFHSC's goal of eliminating
inadequate housing from Sumner County.
10. How can I help?
HFHSC is always looking for people who can give of their time and effort to
helping those in need; everything from working on a construction site to serving
on a committee. Donations of cash, land and building materials are greatly
appreciated.
Committee needs are:
a. Family Selection.
b. Family Support (help guide the family through the entire process)
c. Fundraising (help raise funds, assist at special events, etc.)
d. Public Relations
e. Volunteer Coordination
f. Construction
11. How can a family get started towards
owning a Habitat home?
Pick up an application from any Chamber of Commerce office in Sumner County.
The family can also call or stop by the HFHSC office. The family should
then thoroughly fill out the application, review it for accuracy, sign it and
mail it to the Habitat office.