CMHFH builds and renovates simple, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with families between 30%-60% of the area median income. The need is great. Almost 25% live in poverty locally--St. Cloud’s percentage was the highest of all large Minnesota cities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul. (St. Cloud Times, August 27, 2008)
Habitat homes are not free. They are sold to selected Habitat homeowners at no profit with zero-interest mort- gages. Their house payments are used to build future Habitat homes throughout Central Minnesota.
Habitat homeowners are selected based on need, the ability to pay back a zero-interest mortgage, and their willingness to partner with Habitat by attending Homeowner Education classes and completing Sweat Equity. CMHFH serves all members of the community, regardless of race or ethnic background.
Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry, open to people from all walks of life. CMHFH was started in 1989 and has partnered with 62 families to complete 62 homes, housing 280 people--190 of them children. 58 original homeowners still live in their Habitat Homes to this day!
The volunteer-composed Family Selection and Family Support Committees select the Habitat homeowners and then work to support the families during the building process and into the first year of their homeownership experience. Your help is always welcome.
While Habitat International does have a set of standard for all homes built, the homes vary in size and appearance because each individual home is funded by different sources. Substantial grants and large donations dedicated to specific homes and features result in each home being a little different.
Habitat homes are affordable and are priced with a formula set by the Board of Directors according to family income. Donated materials, financial contributions, and donated labor keep the homes affordable. Habitat holds a second mortgage between the selling price and the appraised value, and the homeowners earn that equity back over time.
Habitat is a global partnership. CMHFH tithes to Habitat International to build Habitat homes in underdeveloped countries. In 2009, we tithed enough funds to build approximately 11 homes in Central and South America.
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