St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church

Habitat for Humanity

“Habitat for Humanity is changing lives. Working in partnership with low-income families to build decent homes they can afford to buy, Habitat helps to break the cycle of poverty and hopelessness. By the end of 2005, more than 1 million people worldwide will live in decent, affordable Habitat for Humanity houses.”

Coming together to build … a home … our church community … and a better future for a family.

The Madison Episcopal community, of which St. Dunstan’s is a member, has begun a year long plan to raise funds, educate ourselves about housing needs, and build a home with Habitat for Humanity, an international organization with affiliates throughout the world.

What is our commitment?

The four Madison Episcopal parishes have promised to make every effort to raise sufficient funds to build a home and the total fund raising goal is $75,000. That amount will actually build two houses — one in Madison (for approximately $70,000) and another in the developing world where costs are much lower.

We are also committed to providing volunteers for the build itself. We will be able to build the home in six months with volunteers working two days each week.

Here are some answers to questions about Habitat for Humanity of Dane County and its partnership with the Four Madison Episcopal Community.

Habitat for Humanity of Dane County…is a locally managed affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat’s mission is nothing less than the elimination of poverty housing.

How are Habitat home owners selected?
Families go through a rigorous application and selection process staffed by community volunteers. Families are selected on the basis of housing need with preference given to those currently in substandard and overcrowded conditions. All are families with low income who demonstrate that they are able to assume the responsibilities of home ownership through reliable work and rental histories. They also commit to 400 hours of sweat equity building working on their own home or that of another Habitat family.

How are the homes financed and sold?
Habitat families buy their homes with a no-interest mortgage for an amount roughly the cost of construction excluding land costs. The mortgage length is adjusted to keep the home affordable. Principal payments and taxes are held to 25 percent of family income. An additional “silent” mortgage secures the balance between the sale price and the assessed valuation. No payment is due on the silent mortgage until the house is sold. The family builds equity from the first payment, but cannot make a quick profit through sale. Habitat holds the mortgage and remains committed to the family’s success for years.

National Habitat for Humanity link
http://www.habitat.org

Dane County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity
http://www.habitat.org/script/link.asp?url=www.habitatdane.org