What is Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity? 

V-LC Habitat for Humanity is a local non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry seeking to eliminate poverty housing, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action in our community. The parent organization is Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). Habitat invites people of all walks of life to work together in partnership to build houses with families in need. Since its start in 1988, our local Habitat Affiliate has built over 125 houses throughout the city and county.

Is there a housing problem in Lowndes County? 

Yes, in Valdosta less than half of low to moderate income minority households own their own homes. Persons earning less than our area median income cannot afford to rent an apartment that is the right size for their family or that is not substandard. One in seven American families has a critical need for a decent and affordable place to call home.

What does V-LC Habitat do and how does it work?

Habitat for Humanity builds houses with area families in need of affordable housing. Volunteer construction labor is used to keep building costs low. Habitat families pay for their home through a no-profit, no-interest loan over a 15–30 year period and also contribute “sweat equity”, their time and effort put into building their own home and others. As local Habitat homeowners pay their monthly mortgages, the money goes into a revolving fund that helps build houses for other families. V-LC Habitat is part of a global partnership and gives 10% of contributions to help build houses internationally through HFHI. 

How are partner families selected?

Families that meet the income requirements qualify to be reviewed by our Family Selection Committee who chooses families based on need, their willingness to become partners in the program, and their ability to repay the mortgage. We adhere to Fair Housing Laws in the selection process. Prospective applicants should first attend an orientation workshop to receive an application, usually held on the 4^th Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at the Goodwill Career Center, 1000 N St. Augustine Rd, Valdosta, GA.

How big is a Habitat house? 

A simple decent house is Habitat's philosophy on house design. The typical house has about 1200 square feet of finished living space. Most houses have 3 or 4 bedrooms and 2 baths.  The houses are Energy Star compliant and meet the standards for a handicap visitable residence.

How does Habitat get money to build houses?  

While Habitat receives money from our homeowner mortgage payments, our building efforts depend largely on the financial support of the local community. We also receive funds from the operation of a resale store open to the public that specializes in donated new and used building materials, furniture, appliances, and many other items. We have received CHIP grant funds from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for down-payment assistance, and SHOP grant funds from HUD through Habitat International for the purchase of land and the cost of infrastructure.