" A decent house in a decent community for God's people in need."
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Habitat for Humanity?
How does Habitat work?
How does the partnership with homeowners work?
How are the partner families selected?
How are donations distributed and used?
How can I become a volunteer?
Q. What is Habitat for Humanity?
A. Habitat for Humanity For Greater Moses Lake, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International,
is a nonprofit organization that raises money and recruits volunteers to build houses with Moses Lake's
low-income families. While Habitat is a Christian ministry, neither race nor religion is a factor in
choosing the families Habitat partners with to build homes. Habitat has a broad base of volunteers,
partner families and donors and welcomes the involvement of all individuals, including those who do not
profess the Christian faith.
Q. How does Habitat work?
A. Through tax-deductible donations of money, materials and volunteer labor, Habitat builds homes with the
help of the future homeowners. Houses are sold at cost (about $65,000) to partner families with 0% interest
mortgages issued over a twenty-year term. Small monthly mortgage payments, paid to Habitat by partner
families, are deposited into a revolving "Fund for Humanity" that funds additional houses.
Q. How does the partnership with homeowners work?
A. Habitat is not a giveaway program, but rather a joint venture. Those who benefit from the
housing ministry are involved in various work projects. Each homeowner family is required to invest 450
hours of "sweat equity" into Habitat's work. This reduces the cost of the house, increases the pride of
ownership, and fosters the development of positive relationships with other people. Habitat homeowner
families are given assistance in developing home ownership skills through a series of home ownership
classes. A Habitat For Greater Moses Lake Homeowner's Association, comprised of all Habitat homeowners,
offers on-going connection and support to Habitat homeowners.
Q. How are the partner families selected?
A. Interested families request a qualification sheet from the Habitat office, and are invited to
attend a Habitat For Greater Moses Lake New Family Informational Meeting. At this meeting, Habitat
philosophy and family requirements for home ownership are explained in detail. The Family Selection
Committee then reviews the applications and chooses families based upon need, willingness to partner, and
ability to repay the loan. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing partner families.
Q. How are donations distributed and used?
A. Tax-deductible donations are distributed as designated by the donor. Habitat For Greater Moses
Lake, like all other Habitat affiliates, works with Habitat for Humanity International by sending a tithe
of 10 percent of all un designated funds to build homes in third world countries. The cost of housing a
family overseas is usually one-tenth of the cost of building a house in the United States. Donors who wish
that their gifts be used only in Moses Lake may make that designation on their donations.
Q. How can I become a volunteer?
A. Habitat For Greater Moses Lake needs volunteers with many skills and interests ranging from
construction, and light office work, to board and committee participation. There is a place for every
volunteer who desires to be in partnership building houses with Moses Lake's people in need of housing.
Simply call the Habitat For Greater Moses Lake office to request a volunteer application at
(509) 764-0160.
You can make an impact, one home--one family at a time.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY-GREATER MOSES LAKE
601 S. Pioneer Way Suite F, 278
Moses Lake, WA 98837
Phone
509-764-0160
Call for further information