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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Habitat for Humanity International?Habitat for Humanity International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing and homelessness from the world and making decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Since its founding in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity International has built and rehabilitated nearly 300,000 houses while providing shelter for more than 1.5 million people in need to become a world leader in addressing the issues of poverty and affordable housing. In 1984, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn took their first Habitat work trip, the Jimmy Carter Work Project, to New York City. Their personal involvement in Habitat's mission brought the organization national visibility and sparked interest in Habitat's work across the nation. Since the early 1980s, Habitat for Humanity International has experienced a dramatic increase in the number of new affiliates around the country. Currently, there are more than 1,700 affiliates in the United States in addition to nearly 500 international affiliates providing shelter in approximately 3,000 communities worldwide. What is Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County?Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County is a community-driven nonprofit organization that develops working partnerships with local businesses, churches, community groups and other individuals to successfully tackle a significant social problem—affordable, safe and decent housing for all. Since its founding in 1989, Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County has built 79 houses in the local community (including builds in Pawnee, Glenarm, and Grandview as well as in Springfield) while providing shelter for more than 300 individuals in need. As an approved affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County is directly responsible for all aspects of Habitat homebuilding in its local area: fund raising, site selection, family selection and family support, construction, and mortgage servicing. What is a Habitat affiliate?Habitat for Humanity’s work is accomplished at the community level by affiliates—independent, locally run, nonprofit organizations. Each affiliate is directly responsible for all aspects of Habitat homebuilding in its local area: fund raising, site selection, family selection and family support, construction, and mortgage servicing. Habitat is a worldwide, grassroots movement with an operating presence in more than 90 countries, including all 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. Use the affiliate search to discover Habitat affiliates in your area. How does the program work?Through volunteer labor and valuable donations of money and materials, Habitat builds simple, decent and affordable houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build more Habitat houses. Habitat for Humanity is not a hand-out, but rather a hand-up. In addition to a $500 down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest 250 hours (per adult) of their own labor—“sweat equity” hours—into building their Habitat house and the houses of others. How are partner (homeowner) families selected?Families in need of decent shelter apply to local Habitat affiliates. The affiliate’s family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the loan. Every affiliate follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families who receive Habitat houses. How do I find out if I’m eligible for the program?If your family, or a family you know, is in need of decent, affordable housing, please contact Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County by phone at (217) 523-2710 or stop by the office location at 1514 West Jefferson Street in Springfield, IL. If you’re not sure where your local Habitat affiliate might be, use the search engine to find the names and phone numbers of affiliates in your area, or contact the Habitat Help Line at (800) 422-4828. Your local affiliate will provide all necessary information on the availability, size, costs and “sweat equity” requirements for Habitat houses in your area as well as descriptive information on the application process. How are donations distributed and used?Donations are used as designated by the donor. Gifts received by Habitat for Humanity International that are designated to a specific affiliate or building project are forwarded to that affiliate or project. Undesignated gifts are used where the funds are most needed. How can I make a donation?Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County’s mission is fulfilled through generous donations from the local community. Contributors to Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County are individuals, trusts and family foundations, corporations, civic, professional and fraternal organizations, religious congregations, faith-based coalitions, schools and other educational institutions. Contributions to Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County can be made through a variety of means—including online giving, cash donations, in-kind donations (materials and/or services), memorial/honorarium gifts, corporate donations, corporate matching programs, donations of stocks/property, ReStore donations, United Way giving, vehicle donations to Cars for Homes™, Legacy Society (planned giving), and house sponsorship. All donations are tax-deductible and each gift truly helps a local family in need. If you are interested in donating to Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County, please contact Sarah Mackey by phone at (217) 523-2710 ext. 12 for additional information. How can I become involved as a volunteer?Creating simple, decent and affordable housing is a community-driven effort made possible by volunteer labor. Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County strives to create high-quality volunteer experiences for all members of the local community. Volunteers can help further Habitat’s mission by participating on home construction, joining a support committee, or working in the Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County ReStore. If you are interested in volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County build or in the ReStore, please contact Sarah Mackey by phone at (217) 523-2710 or by email at smackey@habitatsangamon.com for more information. How can I get more information?For additional information, see other sections of this website or contact Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County using the contact information listed below: Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County
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