What does Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County do, and how does it
work?
Habitat for Humanity is not a charity or give-away program. Habitat For Humanity
builds houses with Sumner County families in need.
Volunteer labor is used to
build houses to keep building costs low for Habitat families. Partner families
pay a down payment and a monthly mortgage payment. These are
no-interest, no-profit mortgages.
Families also invest hundreds of
hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their own houses and the
houses of others. As Habitat homeowners pay their mortgages, the money goes into
a revolving fund that helps build houses with other families. Habitat for
Humanity of Sumner County also tithes $700 per month – about 10% of mortgage
proceeds – to help build houses in Poland.
How are partner families selected?
Selection is based on need, willingness to partner,
and ability to pay a no-interest mortgage.
We accept applications from local families on a continuous basis. Our Family
Selection Committee reviews the applications and chooses families based on need,
their willingness to become partners in the program, and their ability to repay
the no-interest mortgage. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing
partner families. Applications are available at all Chamber of Commerce offices
in Sumner County.
How long are the mortgages?
The mortgages are for 20 years with no interest.
Who builds Habitat for Humanity homes?
Habitat for Humanity uses volunteer labor, skilled retirees and minimal paid
labor.
Individuals and groups from around the county donate
their time and energy to help build the houses. Partner families invest at least
300 hours of sweat equity into building their own houses and others.
Where are Sumner County’s houses built?
To date, 21 houses have been built throughout Sumner County:
1 in the county on Dobbins Pike
1 in Hendersonville
3 in Portland
15 in Gallatin
1 in Westmoreland
How big are Habitat houses. and how much does it cost to build one?
1,056 square foot finished space.
Three bedrooms, two baths.
No garages or carport.
$42,500.
In Sumner County it costs an average of $32.50 per square foot to build one house. The
cost of the land varies depending on location and availability. The standard
house package in Sumner County is a 1,056 square foot house with 3 bedrooms and 2
full baths. Each house is furnished with a range and refrigerator that is
donated by the Whirlpool Corporation. Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County also finances a washer and dryer for each family as a portion of the mortgage. Our mortgages are amortized for 20 years with no interest charges. These houses
do not have garages or carports. Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County has a budget of $42,500 for the
construction of each new house.
How does Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County get money to build houses?
Our funding comes from these sources:
Grants 55%
Churches 28%
Corporations 4%
Individuals 3%
Special events 4%
In-kind 5%
Other 1%
Does Habitat for Humanity hold regular meetings?
Monthly meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at
the First
United Methodist Church.
How can I apply for a Habitat for Humanity house?
Please visit our "How to Qualify" page.
