Cabot Habitat - St. John's/Mt. Pearl Habitat for Humanity

Q: How does Habitat work?

A: Through volunteer labour, efficient management, and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, affordable houses with the help of volunteers and partner families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving "Fund for Humanity" which is used to build more houses.

Q: What does a Habitat house cost?

A: Habitat for Humanity is not a give-away program. Habitat Homeowners pay 30% of their monthly income towards their mortgage payments. As well each homeowner invests five hundred hours into the building of their house and the houses of others. This is referred to as Sweat Equity. Habitat houses are affordable for low-income families because there is no profit included in the sale price and no interest is charged on the mortgage. The average length of a Habitat mortgage in Canada is 25 - 35 years.

Q: How are partner families selected?

A: Families apply to Habitat affiliates through an application process. The Family Selection Committee which is comprised of three members, chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners with Habitat, and their ability to repay the loan. Every affiliate follows a non-discriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families that receive Habitat houses.

CRITERIA for ELIGIBILITY:

• Ability to pay a no interest mortgage and assume the responsibilities of home ownership.
• Willingness to partner with Cabot Habitat for Humanity by contributing 500 hours of sweat equity in the building of their home or other Habitat homes.
• Need for Adequate Housing.
• The family's combined income must be between $30,000.00 and $54,945.00 (Criteria Brochure), depending on size of family.
• Commitment to assist Habitat in its mission to provide affordable houses for other families in need.
• Must be a resident of the St. John's – Mount Pearl Metropolitan area.
• Must not have held a mortgage in the past.
• Does not own any property, such as a cabin, land, etc..

Q: How does Cabot Habitat relate to government?

A: Cabot Habitat will accept direct government funding for the construction of new houses. Habitat also accepts government funds for the acquisition of land or houses in need of rehabilitation. Habitat will accept government assistance for streets, utilities, and administrative expenses, as long as there are no strings attached that would violate Habitat's principles, or limit its ability to proclaim its Christian principles.

Q: Who manages Cabot Habitat?

A: A volunteer Board of Directors determines policy and monitors operations. Board members are dedicated volunteers who are deeply concerned about the problems of poverty housing in St. John's/Mount Pearl. Cabot Habitat operates with an administrative staff, assisted by a core group of dedicated long-term and short-term volunteers. A local volunteer board manages each Habitat for Humanity affiliate.

Q: How are donations distributed and used?

A: Donations are designated by the donor. Any undesignated gifts are used for administrative expenses. Cabot Habitat's audited financial statements are available upon request.

Q: How widespread is Habitat for Humanity?

A: Habitat is a grass-roots movement. Concerned citizens from all walks of life come together as volunteers to assist Cabot Habitat in their community. Fund-raising, house construction, family selection and other key decisions are carried out by the local affiliate. There are 70 plus active affiliates in Canada and Habitat for Humanity has built more than 200,000 homes in more than 100 countries around the world. Each country in the developing world sends 10% of its funds to underdeveloped countries. Canada helps build houses in Jamaica.