(Or things you may have wondered about Habitat for Humanity)

Does Habitat for Humanity for San Luis Obispo County (HFHSLOCO) give homes to "poor people"?

No.  Habitat works with low to very low income people to build simple, decent, affordable houses.  Once the family completes 500 hours of sweat equity and the house is completed, it is sold  to the Partner Family at or below cost.  The Partner Family makes monthly mortgage payments to Habitat, and that money is used to help build more houses for more families thus curbing the cycle of generational poverty in our county.

What are the qualifications to become a Habitat homeowner?

Habitat homeowners (Partner Families) are chosen based on these criteria:

1. A need for better or larger housing

2. An income between 25% - 50% of median county income

3. A willingness to ‘partner’ with Habitat by giving 500 hours of labor

4. An inability to obtain a home loan through other means

5. Residency in San Luis Obispo County for no less than one year

6. U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency

7. Satisfactory credit references

8. Ability to make house payments

Where does the money come from to build a Habitat house?

Habitat homes are built with donations of money and materials, and with both professional and volunteer labor.  Habitat is not a government agency, but uses some government funds/programs designated for very low-income families.  Habitat depends on the generosity of the community to raise the money needed to build.  Houses (or parts of houses) can be sponsored by groups, individuals, churches, or businesses, which undertake to raise money and supply labor.

Is Habitat part of a church?

No. Habitat for Humanity was founded as an ecumenical, Christian housing ministry.  Habitat welcomes people of all faiths, or no religious affiliation at all, if they want to help with our goal of providing decent, affordable housing for people trapped in generational poverty who need a hand up and not a hand out!

Is the Habitat for Humanity for SLO County part of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI)?

Habitat for Humanity for SLO County was established as an affiliate of HFH International in 1997.  Each Habitat Affiliate is independent and run by local people who volunteer their time and money.  We follow the guidelines that have been set up by HFHI and are directed by a local Board of Directors who live and work in the county we serve. We also talk to other affiliates, hoping we can benefit from their experience as well.

What happens to money I donate to Habitat?

Habitat is proud that it operates with very low overhead.  Nationally, from 85% to 90% of every donation goes toward house construction. Money sent to HFHI in Americus, Georgia, and designated for use in this county, will be sent to us.  Donations sent directly to Habitat for SLO County can be designated for “local use only”.  If a donation is not so designated, we give 10% (our tithe) to HFHI.  This tithe money is used to build homes in Mexico or other global locations according to level of need (i.e. Haiti may be selected due to recent catastrophic conditions.)  Money designated for a certain purpose is used only for that purpose.

How many houses have you built in SLO County?

HFH for SLO County completed 3 houses in Paso Robles in 2001- 2002 and one house in Cambria in 2006. With help from the City of Atascadero, four homes were completed in 2008. In partnership with the City of Grover Beach, four homes were completed in December 2009. In 2010 HFHSLOCO will partner with the City of San Luis Obispo on two homes.

Has HFH for SLO County done anything else?

HFH for SLO County helped the Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless build the Prado Road Day Center for the Homeless SLO in 1997.  We operate two ReStore Warehouse & Thrift Stores, one in Templeton and one in San Luis Obispo.  Our ReStores accept donations of new and “gently used” building materials.  They divert materials from local landfills, and provides building materials at bargain prices.  All proceeds from the ReStores are used to build Habitat homes and provide for the operational support of the affiliate. Habitat is a founding member of the SLO County Workforce Housing Coalition.  In 2006, we built a “house-in-a-box” that went to a family in Mobile, Alabama that lost its home in hurricane Katrina.

How can I help?

HFH for SLO County is still a small organization.  That means we need help!  Volunteers are needed to work on committees, to help with fundraisers, to speak before groups to explain what Habitat is all about.  We need help with construction and help to provide lunches for construction volunteers.  We need volunteers to work at ReStore.  And we need money.  We estimate it will cost around $114,000 to build a Habitat house in SLO County, and without money we can’t build.  We are also looking for property – donations of property where we can build Habitat homes.  We welcome opportunities to talk to groups about Habitat.  If your organization or church is interested in hearing about Habitat, please call (782-0687) and we’ll arrange to have a speaker come to your group.