The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments are recycled into a revolving Habitat account that is used to build more houses. Prices will differ slightly depending on location and the costs of land, professional labor and materials. Habitat houses are affordable for low-income families because there is no profit included in the sale price and no interest charged on the mortgage. Habitat homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity, in building their house and the houses of others. Sweat equity reduces the monetary cost of the house, increases the personal stake of the family members and fosters the development of partnerships with other people in the community.
Help is needed in all areas of the program from construction to fundraising to office assistance.
If you can swing a hammer, you can help build hope and homes. Tax deductible donations are welcome by mail-Humboldt Habitat, PO Box 6710, Eureka 95502. And if you are, or know of, a family living in substandard conditions, please call the number above for additional information on becoming a Habitat partner. Evan Mills is publicity and fundraising chairman for Humboldt Habitat for Humanity. One-time article Copyright 2000 by Humboldt Senior Resource Center .