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MYTH: Local Habitat chapters are funded by Habitat for
Humanity International and only need to supply volunteers
for local builds.
TRUTH:
While Habitat for Humanity International
provides name-brand recognition for its affiliates, it
provides no financial support. Our building efforts depend
on the financial support of the local community. Locally, we
coordinate all aspects of Habitat homebuilding,
fund-raising, building site selection, partner-family
selection and support, house construction, and mortgage
servicing. We rely on partnerships with the local community
to fulfill our homebuilding goals. This process brings
people together from diverse economic religious backgrounds,
along with various sizes and types of corporations, and many
profit and non-profit organizations in the Valdosta area.
MYTH:
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter started Habitat for
Humanity.
TRUTH: Millard Fuller and his wife Linda started Habitat
for Humanity International in
Americus,
GA in 1976. Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn joined
the organization in 1982 as high profile volunteers.
Jonathan Reckford became the CEO of HFHI in 2005.
MYTH:
Habitat for Humanity gives houses to poor people.
TRUTH: Houses are not given to anyone. Habitat for Humanity
builds house with those in need and then sells the houses to
homeowner partners. Selected
families are required to work on their own home and other
Habitat projects.
MYTH: You have to be a Christian to become a Habitat
homeowner.
TRUTH:
Habitat for Humanity was founded as and
remains a Christian ministry. Homeowners, however, are
chosen without regard to creed in keeping with legal
requirements and with Habitat’s belief that God’s love
extends to everyone regardless of nationality, race, or
creed. Volunteers from all faiths or no faith who embrace
Habitat’s goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world
are welcome.
MYTH: Habitat houses lower neighborhood property values.
TRUTH: Studies show that when a Habitat house is being
built in an area the impact on the development and
improvement of that area is significant. Habitat for
Humanity believes that its approach to affordable housing
can improve neighborhoods and communities by strengthening
community spirit, increasing the tax base, and building
better citizens through the cooperative efforts involved in
Habitat construction and homeownership.
MYTH: Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity does not
need assistance from local corporations and organizations.
TRUTH:
The only way Habitat homes can be built in
Valdosta-Lowndes County is with the support of local
corporations and organizations. Being a Habitat sponsor has
its benefits. Not only does partnering with Habitat create
an opportunity to receive valuable publicity, but also many
corporations use Habitat experience as a team-building
exercise; working together at the site fosters employee
loyalty and improves teamwork.
MYTH: Habitat receives all of the building materials it
needs through donations.
TRUTH:
Some services and materials are donated. However, we buy
many of the materials for our building projects using cash contributions from house sponsors and individuals. We
are always looking for contributions of money, land and/or
building materials from local corporations and
organizations. |
