Greater New Haven Habitat for Humanity
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Habitat for Humanity?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization that works toward the elimination of poverty housing by building simple, decent houses for people in need, while contributing significantly to neighborhood revitalization. Habitat works in partnership with foundations, corporations, congregations, schools, civic groups and over 2,000 volunteers annually to accomplish this mission.

How long has Habitat for Humanity been in New Haven?

The New Haven affiliate was founded in 1986.

Where are most of these homes located?

We serve all of New Haven County and the towns of Killingworth and Clinton. In 2004 we assumed control of the Wallingford Habitat for Humanity and built two homes there in 2006. We work primarily in two neighborhoods in New Haven — Newhallville and the Hill. These remain a focus for development work, along with scattered site projects throughout the Greater New Haven area. Habitat’s goal is not only to create individual homeowners, but also to contribute significantly to neighborhood revitalization. By concentrating efforts on neighboring blocks, Habitat has had a dramatic impact on the character of the neighborhoods in which it is working.

How big is the need for Habitat’s services?

Demand is enormous. Currently, there is a growing pool of more than 500 families living in substandard, overcrowded, and overly expensive housing in Greater New Haven. We work with people who contact us directly or who are referred to us.

How does the process work?

Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Homeowners are required to contribute 400 hours of “sweat equity” toward building their own and their neighbors’ Habitat houses. Houses are purchased from Habitat at or below cost via a 0% percent interest-free, 25-year mortgage, creating affordable homeowner mortgage payments.

How are partner families selected?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven serves families who earn 30-60 percent of area median income and who would have no other way to own a home of their own. In addition, Habitat is the only non-profit housing developer who takes into account a family’s current living situation when selecting families for its program. Habitat seeks to lift families out of substandard conditions, overly expensive and overcrowded conditions.

The 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. A non-discriminatory policy of family selection is followed. Neither race, family composition, nor religion is a factor in choosing Habitat homeowner families.

What does a Habitat house cost?

Currently, a three-bedroom Habitat house in New Haven costs the homeowner an average of $90,000. 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. The family pays closing costs of approximately $2,500. The average length of a Habitat mortgage is 25 years.

What is the average cost of housing in New Haven?

The average three-bedroom house costs $120,000. The average monthly mortgage, taxes and insurance for a three bedroom Habitat home is $600. A three-bedroom apartment rental averages $950 in New Haven.

Does Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven use government funds?

Government funds are not used for building Habitat homes. Government funds are occasionally used to acquire property. These funds comprise less than 10 percent of Habitat’s annual operating budget, with the remainder coming from local donors.

Who funds Habitat?

The largest portion of our funding comes from individuals who believe that access to affordable homeownership opportunities should be a matter of conscience. Other funds come from churches, corporations and foundations.

How does Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven differ from Habitat for Humanity International?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven is one of more than 1,300 active affiliates located in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. There also are more than 250 international affiliates coordinating some 800 building projects in 59 other countries around the world. Every Habitat affiliate is independently incorporated and locally governed and is affiliated with Habitat for Humanity International.

Is Habitat for Humanity a Christian organization?

Habitat was founded on Christian principles of fellowship, charity and a firm belief that all people deserve a simple, decent place to live. However, Habitat welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds to participate in a unique partnership to build decent, affordable homes for low-income working families.