Myths (and Facts) about Habitat

Educating 8 Persistent Myths about Habitat for Humanity

Myth: Habitat for Humanity gives houses away to poor people.
Fact: Habitat for Humanity International offers a homeownership opportunity to families unable to obtain conventional house financing—generally, those whose income is 30 to 50 percent of the area's median income. Locally, prospective Habitat homeowner families make a $500 down payment and contribute 300 hours of "sweat equity," per adult in the home, on the construction of their home or someone else's home. Because Habitat houses are built using donations of land, material and labor, mortgage payments are kept affordable.

Myth: Habitat houses reduce property values in a neighborhood.
Fact: Low-cost housing studies in the United States and Canada show affordable housing has no adverse effect on other neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat houses have increased property values and local government tax income.

Myth: Only African Americans get Habitat for Humanity homes.
Fact: Habitat builds houses in partnership with those in need—regardless of race, religion or any other difference—who meet three criteria: need; ability to repay the no-interest, no-profit mortgage; and a willingness to partner with Habitat.

Myth: Habitat for Humanity International dictates policy and practices for every local Habitat organization.
Fact: Habitat operates through locally governed affiliates with a strong emphasis on grassroots organizations and local autonomy. Habitat affiliates are independent, nonprofit organizations that operate within specific service areas in a covenant relationship with Habitat for Humanity International.

Myth: Habitat homeowners are on welfare.
Fact: While some Habitat homeowners receive Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), many more are working people. Typically those who qualify make too much money for government assistance, but too little for a convenional mortgage.

Myth: You have to be Christian to become a Habitat homeowner.
Fact: Habitat for Humanity is a Christian organization. However, homeowners are chosen without regard to race, religion or ethnic group, in keeping with U.S. law and with Habitat's abiding belief that God's love extends to everyone. Habitat also welcomes volunteers from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace Habitat's goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world.

Myth: Habitat for Humanity is an arm of the government.
Fact: Habitat is an ecumenical Christian housing organization. It is neither an arm of the government nor an arm of any church or denomination.

Myth: Habitat for Humanity was founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
Fact: Habitat was started in 1976 in Americus, Ga., by Millard Fuller along with his wife Linda. President Carter and his wife Rosalynn (whose home is eight miles from Americus, in Plains, Ga.), have been longtime Habitat supporters and volunteers who help bring national attention to the organization's house-building work.