How Lakes Region Habitat Works
LRHFH uses donated materials and volunteer labor to build new homes or to renovate existing houses. Charitable funds and the monthly mortgage payments of our homeowners finance the building effort. After construction, Habitat houses are then sold to partner families at no profit and with no interest charged.
In addition to a monthly mortgage payment, Habitat homeowners make a down payment towards their homes, and pay taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. Habitat families also invest 500 hours of their time, called “sweat equity,” to the construction of Habitat homes.
A local board of directors oversees LRHFH. As an affiliate, we also receive guidance and direction from the regional and international headquarters of Habitat for Humanity International.
Simple, Decent, Affordable Homes
Habitat for Humanity homes are modern, two- to four-bedroom homes, outfitted with standard fixtures and appliances. They follow three guiding principles:
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Simple Habitat homes are modestly sized: large enough for homeowners’ needs, but small enough to keep construction and maintenance costs to a minimum.
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Decent. Habitat uses locally available quality building materials. Trained volunteers supervise construction and educate less experienced volunteers.
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Affordable. Volunteer labor and donated supplies allow us to build a new home for about $100,000. Since Habitat provides no-interest loans, monthly mortgage payments are only a few hundred dollars.
We Need Your Help!
There are countless ways you can help. You can make a tax-deductible donation. You can join one of many committees that keep LRHFH running. You can help organize fundraising events. You can prepare lunch for construction crews. You can participate in a more hands-on fashion by joining us to work at a construction site.
We are in continual need of building supplies, services, and equipment. Merchants and contractors can donate building materials or labor. Local organizations, companies, schools, and churches can sponsor a build or host a fundraiser. Or, you could consider simply inviting a Habitat representative to speak to your business, house of worship, or civic group.
Habitat for Humanity International brings together people of all faiths, races, and backgrounds to eliminate substandard housing.