The Concept

Who qualifies for a home?

The three criteria to qualify for a Habitat home are

  • need for affordable housing,
  • ability to repay a Habitat mortgage and
  • willingness to partner with Habitat.

Need for affordable housing is defined by a family income that is below the government-set Low Income Cut-Off (poverty line) for their particular region, and existing living conditions that are inadequate in terms of structure, cost, safety or size. The ratio of shelter expense to total income is also factored.

Ability to repay a Habitat mortgage requires that the family has a stable income sufficient to cover the monthly mortgage payments and other expenses that come with home ownership.

Homeowners must demonstrate a willingness to partner with Habitat by contributing 500 hours of volunteer labor ("sweat equity") towards the building of their home.

How are families chosen?

Families are chosen on the basis of the above criteria. Family selection occurs at the local affiliate by way of an application process.

What do families contribute and what do they receive in return?

In addition to mortgage payments, each homeowner invests hundreds of hours of their time to assist in the building of their home. In return, Habitat homeowners are given the unique opportunity to buy a home through an interest-free mortgage. Thus, gaining substantial equity they would not have if renting. They also acquire a safe, affordable place to live and the pride of ownership.

 

How do we acquire land?

Acquiring affordable land has been one of Habitat for Humanity's greatest challenges. Habitat seeks the assistance of governments at all levels in acquiring suitable donated or cost-reduced land. Habitat also relies on individual donors for land donations. In many cases affiliates must purchase land.

GOT LAND?
Habitat Kingston needs to obtain land at a reasonable cost in order to continue providing affordable housing for hardworking, low income families.
Do you own land that you would like to donate or sell? You can receive a tax benefit while helping to revitalize Kingston communities.
Please contact Sandra Berg at (613) 548.8763, or at

How are the homes built?

Through volunteer labour, efficient management and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner. Habitat houses follow standardized design criteria that maintain the "simple and decent" archetype. Most Habitat projects are single dwellings or semi-detached homes.

How does this program benefit the families and communities in the long-run?

Over time, a families' equity in their home increases. Habitat families also often see an improvement in their financial situation since the percentage of their income being spent on housing remains at 30%. Prior to purchasing a Habitat home many of these families are spending over 50% of their income on rent.

A safe, healthy living environment contributes to the positive growth and development of children. Habitat has recorded many examples of children within Habitat families becoming healthier, completing a post-secondary education and establishing successful careers.

Communities benefit as former renters become homeowners who contribute to the tax base. Habitat build projects also offer an opportunity for community members, of all walks of life, to come together and work side by side in a meaningful way.

As the poverty cycle is broken, and a family's financial situation improves their dependence on local social services is decreased. In addition, pride of ownership leads to a renewed sense of confidence, and along with their stable, long-term housing arrangement, they become long-term contributors to the community and the local economy.