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What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity is an interdenominational Christian Housing Ministry created by a group of caring people who
blend their talents, time, and material gifts to assist those in need. Its aim is to provide simple, decent housing
for selected qualified families without dependence on charity. Homes are built at cost and sold to recipients who would
not qualify through the usual channels for affordable mortgages. Mortgage contracts and deeds are legally binding and
designated to prevent misuse of Habitat resources. Habitat for Humanity operates throughout the United States and in
many other countries. The international office is in Americus, Georgia.
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How is Habitat Funded? Putnam
County Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, fully incorporated charitable organization. Donations provide capital for
building houses that will be sold (not given away) to a carefully screened family on a no-profit, no-interest basis.
Putnam County Habitat for Humanity is located at 150 North Oak Street, Ottawa, OH, (at Ottawa Presbyterian Church) and is
affiliated with Habitat for Humanity International. All mortgage
payments are recycled back into a special fund as a commitment to build more houses. Seed funds come from tax-deductible
gifts from individuals, churches, corporations, and service organizations. Other gifts may be in the form of land, materials,
and volunteer services. A tithe from all donations is sent to Habitat
for Humanity international's program for housing construction in other countries.
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Who Qualifies for Habitat Housing?
Potential Habitat partner families live in substandard housing (many definitions), have lower income but yet have a steady
source of income to meet the monthly mortgage payment, and are willing to invest significantly in the preparation for home
ownership and the construction of their house. This investment is known as "sweat equity."
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A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out! Habitat
is not a "give-away" program. Partner families invest 350 hours of their own labor--"sweat equity"--in
building their home and the homes of others. Their monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving "Fund for Humanity"
that is used to build more houses. Additional funding comes from tax-deductible donations of money and materials.
Volunteers provide much of the house-building labor, working with the partner families.
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Building Community through Partnership
Habitat builds communities by developing partnerships among diverse individuals and groups that help revitalize neighborhoods.
Individuals, churches, business, foundations and organizations join together to eliminate poverty housing. Homeowners,
volunteers and donors become partners in the work of building houses and building lives.
Habitat is a grass-roots movement. Concerned citizens organize local habitat for Humanity affiliates. Affiliates
direct and control their local Habitat building projects. Each affiliate is responsible for fund-raising, family selection,
house construction, and more. Habitat has active affiliates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than
100 nations worldwide.
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