Who manages Habitat Kingston?
HFHK is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors, elected at an
Annual General Meeting. The Board works with the Executive Director
to manage the affiliate.
Supported by a small number of administrative staff,
HFHK relies heavily on volunteers to accomplish its work. Volunteers
serve as Board members, and as members of the standing committees
(see right). Volunteers also serve as ReStore assistants and
construction workers.
Where does HFHK build?
HFHK not only builds houses, but also helps to build and
regenerate communities. Therefore, Habitat builds primarily in the
lower socio-economic areas of cities, where the need is greatest,
where lot prices and taxes are lower, and where Habitat's greatest
impact can be demonstrated.
What does it cost to build a HFHK house?
The cost of building differs with each project, depending on the
cost of the building lot, the house design, and the costs of
building materials and professional labour, above any donated
materials and labour. In addition to the cost of the lot, the cash
outlay for an average HFH house in Kingston is approximately
$60,000. Low-income families can afford these houses, since the sale
price includes no profit, and no interest is charged on the
mortgage.
Who holds the mortgages?
HFHK holds the mortgages. A HFHK partner family assumes a
no-interest first mortgage, equal to the construction cost of the
house and the land value. HFHK protects the difference between the
first mortgage and the fair market value with a second mortgage,
which is forgiven when the first mortgage is paid in full. Mortgage
payments are returned to a revolving Fund for Humanity that is used
to build more Habitat houses.
Are all of the building materials donated?
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Although this would be ideal, it is seldom the case. HFHK depends on
financial donations, which are used to purchase any materials and
services that have not been donated.
Do donors get tax receipts?
HFHK is a registered charitable organization, and official tax
receipts are issued for donations of cash and materials. HFHK's
charitable registration number is 89152 2567 RR0001.
How are HFHK partner families chosen?
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Families in need can apply to HFHK. Partner families are chosen
according to these guidelines:
- Need: Is the family's current housing suitable for
their needs? Is their total income within the low-income
guidelines?
- Ability to pay: Can the family afford a mortgage
(including insurance and property taxes) of $650-$800 per month,
and the costs of utilities and maintenance?
- Willingness to partner: Is the family willing to
complete the required 500 hours of sweat equity labour, and
subscribe to the HFHK idea of partnership?
What does the partnership with families require?
Habitat is a joint venture, in which those benefiting from it
participate directly in the work. Each partner family must invest
500 hours of unpaid labour, or "sweat equity", into the construction
of their house and other HFHK houses. This reduces cost and
increases pride of ownership. In addition, each partner family must
agree to meet all financial obligations in making a downpayment and
purchasing their house.
Do volunteers need to have building skills?
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Not at all! HFHK's crew leaders
are experienced tradespeople, who can teach volunteers basic
construction skills on-site. On the build site, volunteers are
needed for first aid and safety, registration, food services,
clean-up, pick-up and delivery, site security, and landscaping.
Habitat also needs volunteers year-round to serve on committees
and to assist with office and warehouse tasks. If you are looking
for meaningful work, Habitat has ways for you to contribute! |
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