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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 4th 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.
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