How it Works..

What is Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity?

Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that builds simple, decent homes to sell to families in need. We use volunteer labor and charitable gifts to ensure our homes are affordable to families in Wyoming Valley. WVHFH is a Christian ministry dedicated to building homes in partnership with the entire community, including businesses, congregations, schools, individuals and partner families.

How Does it Work?

Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds or rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable no-interest loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are recycled into a revolving fund that is used to build more houses.

What is Sweat Equity?

When selected, you become a partner family in the Habitat movement. As a partner family WVHFH requires at least 200 hours of volunteer work to be completed as your house is constructed and before occupancy. This is called “sweat equity” and may be completed by assisting in the construction of your home and the homes of others. It may include building walls, painting, installing windows or working on other Habitat projects. Families who purchase Habitat homes invest at least 200 hours of sweat equity volunteer labor.

How Much Does a Habitat House Cost?

An average Habitat house for a family of four in the United States is 1100 square feet with 3 bedrooms. Prices will differ slightly depending on location. Habitat houses are affordable for low-income families because there is no profit included in the sale price and no interest charged on the mortgage. The average length of a Habitat mortgage is 25 years.

How Are the Partner Families Selected?

Our family selection committee considers the applicant’s level of need, willingness to become partners in the Habitat program and their ability to repay the no-interest loan. We follow a non-discriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing Habitat homeowner families.