Remodel Tampa Bay Spring/Summer 2015

Volunteers, corporate partnerships and zero-interest
mortgages make the homeownership dream
possible through Habitat for Humanity’s program.
Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County has been
building homes that change lives. Habitat Pinellas is a locallyrun
affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit
organization that builds affordable homes for limited-income families
and individuals who otherwise could not afford to own a home.
Financially-burdened families living in overcrowded and substandard
conditions contribute to instability in our community and weaken
our economy. And their health and educational success is impacted.
Habitat’s affordable homeownership program provides the opportunity
for working families or individuals who qualify to achieve the dream of
homeownership and helps put them on a path to a brighter future.
How does the Habitat program work?
Perhaps Habitat for Humanity’s biggest myth is that it “gives away”
homes. Not so. Habitat’s homeowner candidates work very hard
for their homes and must have a reasonable credit history and
consistent income to qualify. As program partners, homeowner
candidates must fulfill several requirements before they ever receive
the key to their home. In addition to its homeowner partners, Habitat
brings community volunteers, corporate donors, civic organizations
and faith groups together as partners to help build its affordable
homes throughout Pinellas County. Required to invest 250-350
“sweat equity” hours, Habitat’s homeowner candidates work on the
build sites alongside community volunteers. Once the homes are
completed and sweat equity and class program requirements are
met, the homes are sold to the homeowner candidates at no profit
and with zero-interest mortgages.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Habitat
for Humanity.
Volunteer labor helps us keep the cost of building homes low. We
are grateful for our amazing base of Habitat Pinellas volunteers who
number 5,000 strong each year to help us build and rehab an average
of 30 Habitat homes annually. However, donor support from the
Pinellas County community is just as vital to our mission. Like all Habitat
for Humanity affiliates, we raise all of our funds locally, receiving no
financial support from Habitat for Humanity International in Americus,
GA.
How the Habitat Pinellas ReStore fits in.
Through sales of new and gently-used donated building materials
and home improvement items like furniture and appliances, the
ReStore provides Habitat with self-generated revenue that benefits
the nonprofit’s building program. In addition to providing funding that
helps keep Habitat building, the ReStore makes a unique contribution
to Pinellas County’s recycling program by keeping nearly 500 tons out
of the landfills annually.
Get involved in a mission that will change
lives – including YOURS!
Volunteer opportunities with Habitat Pinellas make it possible for
thousands of people to get active in our community and make a
difference in the lives of children and families. Building a home takes
time and money, but seeing a family get the key to a home you helped
build is inspiring. Come out and volunteer. Donate or shop at the
ReStore. Or consider a monetary contribution to help keep Habitat
building. Come make a difference. www.HabitatPinellas.org
24 Remodel Tampa Bay Spring | Summer 2015