1. What is Marquette County Habitat for Humanity?
2. What does Marquette County HFH do and how does it work?
3. Where are Marquette County HFH houses built and who builds them?
4. Is there a housing problem in Marquette County?
5. How does Marquette County HFH get money to build houses?
6. How does Marquette County HFH work with the government?
7. How are partner families selected?
8. How big is a Habitat house?
9. How can I become involved with Marquette County HFH?
10. What are the basic guidelines to qualify for a Habitat home?
1. What is Marquette County Habitat for Humanity? back to top Marquette County Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry seeking to eliminate poverty housing, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people from all walks of life to work together in partnership to build houses with families in need. Since its start in 1992, Marquette County HFH has built 76 houses throughout Marquette County. 2. What does Marquette County HFH do and how does it work? back to top Marquette County HFH is not a charity or a give-away program. Habitat for Humanity builds houses with Marquette County families in need. Volunteer labor is used to build houses to keep building costs low. Partner families pay a down payment and a monthly mortgage payment. They also invest hundreds of hours of their own labor—sweat equity—into building their own houses and the houses of others. As Habitat homeowners pay their mortgages, the money goes into a revolving fund that helps build houses with other families. 3. Where are Marquette County HFH houses built and who builds them? back to top Marquette County HFH has built homes in Marquette, Negaunee, Ishpeming, Gwinn, Michigamme, Beaver Grove, Harvey, National Mine and Champion. In addition to sweat equity hours from partner families, individuals and groups from around the county, state and Midwest donate their time and energy to help build the houses. 4. Is there a housing problem in Marquette County? back to top According to a 2008 HUD report, approximately 14 percent of Marquette County residents live in substandard housing or are homeless. This is not just a problem in larger cities; it affects even the smallest communities. Over 50 applications are received each year from potential Habitat homeowners -- many more than the number of houses we can build. We need the help of everyone to eliminate the housing problem in our community. 5. How does Marquette County HFH get money to build houses? back to top Marquette County HFH receives money from mortgage payments; churches and other religious congregations, businesses and corporations, organizations and individuals. In addition, the ReStore and special events as our annual "Evening With the Truckeys", are major parts of our fundraising efforts. 6. How does Marquette County HFH work with the government? back to top Habitat for Humanity does not accept government funds for the construction of new houses or for the renovation or repair of existing houses. Habitat does accept government funds for the acquisition of land or houses in need of rehabilitation. Habitat also accepts government funds for streets, utilities and administrative expenses, as long as the funds have no conditions that would violate Habitat's principles or limit its ability to proclaim its Christian witness. 7. How are partner families selected? back to top Applications are accepted from Marquette County families on a continual bases. Our Family Selection committee reviews the applications and recommends families based on need, their willingness to become partners in the program, and their ability to repay the no-interest mortgage. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing partner families. 8. How big is a Habitat house? back to top The typical house built by Marquette County HFH has 1,050 square feet of finished living area with an unfinished basement. Most houses have three bedrooms and one bathroom. These houses do not have garages or carports, unless required by community covenants. They are affordable to low-income families because there is no profit included in the sale of the house and no interest charged on the 25 - 30 year mortgage. 9. How can I become involved with Marquette County HFH? back to top There are many ways to volunteer with Marquette County HFH. We welcome individuals as well as groups to work on the construction site or at the ReStore. You can serve on the board of directors or on a committee. Development, Family Selection, Family Resource, Church Relations or Building/Site Selection. You can attend a special event fundraiser, donate materials or simply donate money. For more information on getting involved, please contact our office. 10. What are the basic guidelines to qualify for a Habitat home? back to top There are 3 criteria that we go by: Need. Your current home is not adequate: not safe, too small, too expensive. Ability to pay: Your 2011 yearly household income (from all sources, before taxes) is: $14,750 - 24,550 for family of 2 $19,900 - 33,150 for family of 5 $16,600 - 27,600 for family of 3 $21,350 - 35,600 for family of 6 $18,400 - 30,650 for family of 4 $22,850 - 38,050 for family of 7 and your monthly bills are not too high to afford a mortgage payment (which includes taxes and insurance but no interest) and the costs of maintaining your own home. Willingness to partner. Each adult family member promises to: * Work at least 15 hours per week ("sweat equity") building homes and helping at the Habitat office, ReStore or local events. * Promoting Habitat for Humanity in the community * Attend workshops to learn about owning and caring for a home. * Pay the down payment ($500) and all future mortgage payments on time.