In 2010 Habitat for Humantiy of Omaha will complete 27 homes. Homes are built with donor contributions, volunteer labor and donated materials. The families who partner with us are required to work 350 hours of Sweat Equity on the homes being built. Their monthly mortgage payments are then used to build more homes.
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Habitat Omaha builds new houses, and renovates existing houses.
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These houses are modest and affordable, and generally do not include garages.
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Most Habitat houses are located in Northeast Omaha neighborhoods east of 42nd Street.
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Occasionally we are also able to acquire building lots in Southeast Omaha.
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Every two years our Washington County Committee builds a house in Blair, Nebraska.
Habitat for Humanity of Omaha FAQ
Q: What has Habitat done in Omaha, Nebraska?
A: In 2011, all of Habitat Omaha’s new and rehab homes will be ENERGY STAR® Certified and we will complete our first LEED Certified house. These energy-efficient measures will help the environment and reduce overall costs. Another initiative will focus on building homes that match the character of the neighborhoods in which they are built in order to increase neighborhood cohesion and resale value. We are also expanding our efforts to help those who do not qualify for our program by offering referral resources to denied applicants. Finally, Habitat Omaha is expanding the number and types of courses available to partner families and volunteers to help them become more self-sufficient homeowners.
Q: How does Habitat Omaha sell houses?
A: Partner families purchase homes through a no-interest Habitat loan, making monthly mortgage payments for 20-30 years. Potential homeowners first contribute 350 hours of Sweat Equity, working on Habitat construction sites and attending homeownership workshops. At closing these buyers pay a modest $500 down payment.
Q: What is needed to make it happen?
A: Funds: Building houses is a money-intensive venture which means that we rely on the generous support of members of the community to donate the monetary resources that make fulfilling our mission a reality.
Volunteers: Each year 7,000 volunteers donate their time and skills to Habitat Omaha. These volunteers do more than swing a hammer, they also help with special events, office assistance, ReStore duties and much more.
Partner Families: Because becoming a Habitat partner family is a big responsibility, it is important to partner with qualifying families who are committed to the program and fully understand their role in the process.
Q: How do families qualify for housing?
A: Families are selected according to three criteria:
1) Need (low income and unsuitable current housing)
2) Ability to pay the monthly mortgage payments (steady income and good credit standing)
3) Willingness to partner with Habitat Omaha (participation in construction, attendance of homeownership workshops and repayment of the Habitat loan)
Habitat serves families earning 25-50% of the Omaha median income who have not previously owned a home.
Q: What is the Habitat for Humanity of Omaha ReStore?
A: Since 2000, the Habitat Omaha ReStore, 1003 S. 24th St., has accepted donations of new, used and surplus building materials and home fixtures. These donated items are then priced 50-70% below their new retail price. The net proceeds generated from the sale of these items go to build additional Habitat homes in the area. The Habitat Omaha ReStore has diverted more than 3,700 tons of material from the landfill since 2006.
habitatomaha.org
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