Habitat for Humanity, Alpena Area, Inc. Fact Sheet

This fact sheet gives a brief over-view of this Habitat affiliate's purpose, its policies, and the process towards homeownership. You are welcome to contact the Habitat offices or any board member for answers to any questions you may have about our program. * We are an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, which was founded over 30 years ago. HFHI has built over 200,000 homes in 100 countries. * The mission of Habitat for Humanity Alpena Area is to build or renovate simple, decent houses in partnership with people in need. We are a non-profit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to helping families achieve homeownership. * We have been active in Alpena since 1990, and in that time we have built or renovated thirty-five homes. One of those homes is in Alpena Township, the others are located in the City of Alpena. One Habitat home was built in the City of Alpena during the building session of 2007, which provided housing for a family of three. * We have a volunteer Board of Directors. Staff members include our Executive Director, ReStore Manager, ReStore Assistant Manager and two part-time ReStore staff, Office Manager and Construction Director. * Families apply to become Habitat homeowners. Our Family Selection Committee reviews the applications, conducts interviews and home visits. We review references, credit history, background checks and finances. Selection is based on three criteria: 1) need, 2) willingness to partner with Habitat, and 3) the ability to make modest monthly mortgage payments. Potential homeowners are encouraged to begin volunteering with Habitat, if they are not already doing so. Once approved, the family earns credit for sweat equity hours towards the construction or renovation of their own home. Families are strongly encouraged to continue volunteering with Habitat in the years after they become homeowners. * Two hundred fifty hours of "sweat equity" time is required per adult family member. A portion of these hours can be provided by friends and family. Sweat equity is earned by assisting with Habitat construction projects - not just their own home - and volunteering for fundraisers and other events. * The families qualify to purchase a home at a no-profit cost, with a no-interest mortgage. The mortgage payments homeowners make to the affiliate are a substantial portion of the funds needed to construct another home for a family in need. We also rely on donations of money and materials, foundation grants and volunteer labor. The mission of this organization could not be accomplished without the network of individuals, businesses, organizations and churches that support us. Our Carpenter's Club pledge members are a substantial source of funding. * The Habitat ReStore opened in June of 2005. The store is open to the public, selling recycled, discounted household and building materials that individuals and businesses have donated to Habitat. Proceeds generated from ReStore sales help build Habitat homes. The store has recently moved and is located at 400 W. Chisholm (across from the public safety building). New hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. The store is closed on Sunday. We schedule donation pickups, and have a regular pickup run on Monday.