WHAT IS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FOR AUSTRALIA?

Habitat for Humanity Australia is a non-profit Christian ministry that seeks to make simple, decent and affordable housing a matter of action and conscience in Australia and beyond.

Volunteers from all walks of life work beside prospective Habitat home owners to build houses, relationships and a sense of community.

HOW DOES THE HABITAT "NO PROFIT, NO INTEREST" HOUSING PLAN WORK?

Habitat houses are built or renovated using as much volunteer labour and donated materials as possible. The house is sold on a no profit, no interest basis. The family must pay a $500 deposit and put at least 500 hours of "sweat equity" into the building of their house or other Habitat projects.

HOW MUCH DO THE HOUSES COST? HOW LONG DO PEOPLE HAVE TO PAY?

The cost of a house and land package can be $1000,000 to $130,000 depending on location. The cost of the house is repaid over a fixed period, usually 20 years.

HOW IS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FUNDED?

Funding and donations of materials comes from individuals, churches and industry leaders in the corporate sector.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MORTGAGE REPAYMENTS?

Mortgage repayments are put into a Fund for Humanity" and 'recycled" to build more houses.

HOW DOES HABITAT PREVENT PROFITEERING FROM THE RESALE OF ITS HOMES?

At the time of sale, the home owner signs two mortgages. The first mortgage is for the Habitat no profit, sale price. The value of the second mortgage equals the difference between the Habitat sale price and the market value at the time of sale. The amount of the second mortgage is written off successively over the first 10 years or so of the term of the first mortgage. The amount owing under the second mortgage only becomes payable if the house is sold.

HOW LONG HAS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BEEN IN OPERATION?

Habitat for Humanity was founded in Americus, Georgia, USA in 1976. Over 2000 Habitat affiliates have built more that 105,000 houses in 77 countries around the world. A Habitat house is completed somewhere in the world every 35 minutes.

HOW CAN I HELP?

Make a one-off or regular tax-exempt cash donation.

Join a monthly building team.

Provide building materials.

Help to spread the word through your networks by undertaking innovative Habitat activities.

Pray for Habitat's work.

Join a Habitat committee.

Provide an interest free loan.

ARE MY CONTRIBUTIONS TAX DEDUCTABLE?

Yes, Habitat for Humanity Australia is incorporated as a tax-exempt, non-profit organisation. All gifts are tax deductable.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Write to:
Habitat for Humanity Western Sydney Inc.
PO Box 147
QUAKERS HILL NSW 2763

(ABN 887 220 574. CFN 15429)

OR
Phone: Les Pearson on (02) 9807 3628