The average length of a Habitat mortgage in the United States is 20 years. Internationally, mortgage length varies from 7 to 30 years. Sweat equity reduces the monetary cost of the house, increases the personal stake of the family members in their house, and fosters the development of partnerships with other people in the community. Whether in the U.S. or overseas, families in need apply to local Habitat affiliates. The affiliate's family selection committee considers applicants' level of need, their willingness to become partners in the habitat program and their ability to repay the no-interest loan.
Every affiliate follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection.
Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing Habitat homeowner families. Committee members chose the name Itchy because it is short, cute and catchy. The creative genius for the name is attributed to two people, Robin Brown from Client Support Services and Rhoda Richard from the School of Public Health. The members of the steering committee would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the two winners and their warmest thanks to each person who participated in the contest. The amount of creativity from the staff and faculty was overwhelming.