Molina Health Care put together a fantastic Thurston County Resource Hub Community Fair, last week, and I learned a lot from the many vendors there who provide services to our community.
One of the vendors who piqued my interest was the South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity.
While most folks know about their help to obtain home ownership, I was not aware they also have critical home repair programs for veterans and homeowners with disabilities.
Habitat is a one-of-a-kind affordable financing model. They do not give away houses. Their model offers mortgages with affordable monthly payments to increase homeownership among vulnerable communities, including low- or moderate-income households. They collaborate closely on every aspect of home purchase from application to closing. Repayments are cycled into helping more families build and rehabilitate affordable homes.
They partner with homeowners to set them up for long-term success. Habitat empowers applicants for the responsibilities of homeownership by helping them learn about home maintenance, routine repairs, and upkeep of homes, which results in substantial cost savings.
All future Habitat homeowners take financial education classes to help them manage their affordable mortgages and reap the benefits of long-term homeownership. Given that many vulnerable groups do not have equitable access to financial education, Habitat is dedicated to closing the gap and thereby increasing homeownership in these communities.
What this need looks like will vary from community to community, but applicants may be dealing with substandard housing that is poorly built, damaged, or inadequate; rent or mortgage that’s greater than 30% of their gross monthly income; unhealthy living conditions such as homes with mold and asthma triggers; or a home that is inaccessible for their disabilities.
For U.S. applicants, household income must not exceed 60% of the area median income, which is defined annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. According to the 2022 Census Bureau report, low income is defined as 30,000 or below, and the median income of the lower class is 30,000 – 58,020.
Once selected, homebuyers must partner with Habitat throughout the process. This partnership includes performing “sweat equity,” or helping to build their own home or the homes of others in our homeownership program. Not handy with a hammer? Sweat equity can also include taking homeownership classes or performing volunteer work in a Habitat ReStore.
Homebuyers also participate in homeowner education classes, which provide a mix of hands-on and classroom learning. The courses cover home maintenance and repairs as well as saving, managing a mortgage and maintaining personal finances. Each class is crafted to help empower participants to be successful homeowners.
Habitat ensures that the monthly mortgage payments do not exceed 30% of the homebuyer’s gross monthly income at closing. Mortgage payments are cycled back into the community to help build additional Habitat houses.
To be eligible for home Improvements, you must own your home, live in it as your main residence, have homeowners’ insurance, and meet income requirements.
Repairs include fixing steps, porch or wheelchair ramp construction, and exterior door repair or replacement. Interior accessibility includes doorways, bathrooms, and interior repairs that are needed for the health and safety of the occupants. Other repairs are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Life happens, usually without much warning. If your home needs any of this help for you to remain in your own home, this service can make it possible. Find out more at repairs@spshabotat.org
There are many ways you can volunteer. Many years ago, I volunteered to write for their newsletter in Tucson Arizona. The Habitat Stores use volunteers and handy hands are always welcome on building sites.
Since 1991, Habitat’s Women Build volunteers have come together from all walks of life to build stronger, safer communities. Women Build opportunities are available across the U.S., and any woman or person who wants to learn how to build or repair a home is invited to join.
Women and children are the most likely to be affected by poor living conditions, and these events provide the opportunity for women to take a proactive step in serving their communities.
Habitat stores accept gently used furniture, appliances, some household goods and building materials. The local Habitat Restore is located at 400 Cooper Point Rd SW in Olympia. You can donate cash and cars on their website at the Habitat website.
Kathleen Anderson writes this column each week from her home in Olympia. Contact her at kathleen@theJOLTnews.com or post your comments.
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sunshine39
I think a correction may be needed. Habitat is now located a 400 Cooper Pt Rd SW, new Goodwill.
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