About Habitat


Around the world there is a great need for affordable, quality housing. Many millions of families currently live in housing conditions that are unsafe, unsanitary, and woefully inadequate. These families do not have the finances needed to move into quality housing; rather, they end up using large portions of their income just to maintain their current level of substandard housing. For these families, the chance to own a quality home represents a great improvement in their quality of life as they would gain safety, stability, and an overall sense of positive identity. Habitat makes this possible by providing quality, affordable housing to families in need.


Habitat makes its homes affordable in three main ways:
  • Homes are sold at no profit. 
  • Families are given a no-interest loan. 
  • Homes are built by volunteers. 


Families become Habitat partners through a selection process. In order to be considered for a Habitat home, families must...
  • Currently be living in substandard housing. 
  • Have a steady source of income with which to repay the no-interest loan. 
  • Be willing to partner with Habitat by working on their own home and other homes as well as participating in workshops covering topics such as maintaining good credit and basic home care. 


The no-interest loans that Habitat provides are paid back over a period of 7 to 30 years. All the loan payments are used to pay for the construction of new homes. Habitat is able to expand its home-building capabilities by fundraising efforts and through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and other organizations that want to become partners with Habitat.




International

    Habitat International was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller.  The organization has grown to over 2100 affiliates in almost 100 countries.  Over 300,000 homes have been built for over 1.5 million people worldwide.


Columbus
  • The Greater Columbus affiliate of Habitat was founded in 1987. 
  • The affiliate has built over 200 homes in the Columbus area. 
  • Over 1000 requests for applications are received each year.  To apply, a family must be first-time home buyers earning 30-60% of median income in Franklin County.
  • It costs approximately $100,000 to build a house in Columbus, requiring 2,500 hours of volunteer work and about 12 weeks to complete.


Ohio State
  • The Ohio State chapter of Habitat was formed in 1993. 
  • Approximately 1500 people receive the weekly emails detailing Habitat's activities. 
  • In the spring of 2004 a home was constructed on Ohio State's campus for the first time.