MYTHS AND FACTS

Habitat for Humanity is an often-misunderstood organization. 

 

How is it funded? 

Who purchases the homes we build? 

How does it affect my community? 

How does Jimmy Carter fit in? 

 

We hope to address many of the myths and deliver the facts here.

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Myth: Habitat for Humanity gives houses away to poor people.
Fact: Habitat for Humanity offers a homeownership opportunity to families unable to obtain conventional house financing — generally, those whose income is 80 percent or less of the area's median income.  Partner homeowner families contribute a minimum of 300 hours of sweat equity into the construction of their homes or another Habitat for Humanity home and pay a monthly mortgage.  Because Habitat houses are built using volunteers and many donations, mortgage payments are kept affordable.

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Myth: Habitat for Humanity is a federally funded program, they don't need my money.

Fact: Habitat for Humanity receives very little, if any, federal money.  Habitat survives on donations, grants, and community support.

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Myth: Habitat houses reduce property values in a neighborhood.
Fact: Low-cost housing studies in the United States and Canada show affordable housing has no adverse effect on other neighborhood property values.  In fact, Habitat houses have increased property values and local government tax income.

 

Myth: You have to lift a hammer to volunteer at a build site.
Fact: Not everyone feels comfortable wielding a hammer or climbing a ladder.  We understand that, and we can still use your help.  Each of our build sites needs a Site Host. Site Hosts welcome and encourage volunteers to the site, make the necessary introductions, pick up lunch for the volunteers, and help the site leadership with setup and clean-up in addition to providing a hospitable and friendly environment for everyone.

 

Myth: Small donations don't make a difference.
Fact: Everything helps to build our community. When multiple people contribute even small amounts, big things happen. Every dollar and doorknob donated to Fort Hood Area Habitat for Humanity and ReStore helps us build a strong community.

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Myth: The only way to volunteer is at a build site.
Fact: We welcome volunteers who perform a variety of tasks.  Volunteering at a build site is just one way to help.  You can also volunteer at our ReStore as a salesperson, stocker, driver, or appliance technician.  Our main office needs assistance stuffing envelopes and taking phone calls.  We have several committees that we need members to complete, by filling all of these areas, we are able to better serve the community.

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Myth: Habitat for Humanity only builds homes.
Fact: We build homes, to be sure, but we also preserve neighborhoods to assist low income homeowners. Our "Love Your Neighborhood" projects include exterior rehabs (repairs, painting, roofs, etc.). All of these efforts help to build strong neighborhoods.

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Myth: Any donations the Central Texas community donates to Habitat for Humanity International will find their way back to Fort Hood Area Habitat for Humanity.
Fact: This is a common misconception.  Monies donated to the national headquarters are divided between overhead costs and housing initiatives in other countries.  The best way to make your donation go further in our area is to donate directly to Fort Hood Area Habitat for Humanity.

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Myth: Habitat for Humanity was founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
Fact: Habitat was started in 1976 in Americus, GA, by Millard Fuller along with his wife, Linda. President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn (whose home is eight miles from Americus, in Plains, GA), have been longtime Habitat supporters and volunteers who help bring national attention to the organization's house-building work.  Each year they lead the Jimmy Carter Work Project to help build houses and raise awareness of the need for affordable housing.

 

Myth: Habitat houses allow people to move from poverty to plush new houses.
Fact: Any new house is going to be a dramatic change for a family that has been living in substandard conditions.  But Habitat houses are not extravagant by any standard. Habitat’s philosophy is to build simple, decent homes.  Generally speaking, Fort Hood Area Habitat for Humanity homes range from approximately 1,000 square feet to 1,400 square feet in size and have three or four bedrooms and one or two bathrooms.

 

Myth: Substandard housing is such a large problem that it can never be solved.
Fact: Substandard housing is a huge issue.  Habitat believes that by continuing to build houses with those in need, working with other committed groups, and putting the issue of housing in the hearts and minds of compassionate people everywhere, the problem can be solved.

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HABITAT AFFILIATES:

For a list of Habitat for Humanity Affiliates in other areas use this link: 

Habitat for Humanity International affiliate search

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Non-proselytizing policy:

Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations will not proselytize. Nor will HFH work with entities or individuals who insist on proselytizing as part of their work with HFH. This means that HFH will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must adhere to or convert to a particular faith or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.