Habitat Myths and Facts

Myth: Habitat For Humanity Golden Empire gives houses away.

Fact: Habitat For Humanity Golden Empire offers homeownership opportunities to families who are unable to obtain conventional house financing. Generally, this includes those whose income is 30 to 80 percent of the area's median income. Prospective Habitat homeowner families make a down payment equal to 1% of the purchase price. Additionally, they contribute 500 hours of "sweat equity" on the construction of their home or someone else's home. Because Habitat homes are built using donations of land, material and labor, mortgage payments are kept affordable.

Myth: Habitat houses reduce a neighborhood’s property values.

Fact: Housing studies show affordable housing has no adverse effect on neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat homes have proven to increase property values and local government tax income.

Myth: Only Minorities get Habitat homes.

Fact: Habitat builds houses in partnership with those in need regardless of race, religion or any other difference. Prospective homeowners must meet three criteria: need; ability to repay the mortgage; and a willingness to partner with Habitat. Statistically across the US, 33 percent of Habitat homeowners are Anglo and 67 percent are people of color.

Myth: Illegal Immigrants get Habitat homes.

Fact: Habitat requires that all purchasers, and their dependents, be legal residents of the United States of America.

Myth: Habitat homeowners are on welfare.

Fact: Qualified families are working people struggling to house their families, provide proper nutrition, purchase health care, and assure their children are educated. Some Habitat homeowners receive Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Typically their annual income is less than half the local median income in their community.

Myth: You have to be Christian to become a Habitat homeowner.

Fact: Habitat homeowners are chosen without regard to race, religion or ethnic group, in keeping with U.S. law and with Habitat's abiding belief that God's love extends to everyone. Habitat also welcomes volunteers from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace Habitat's goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world.

Myth: Habitat for Humanity International dictates policy and practices for every local Habitat organization.

Fact: Local Habitat affiliates are independent, nonprofit organizations that operate within a specific service area within the framework of the Habitat Affiliate Covenant.