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 home-building, 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.

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