About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Habitat for Humanity?
A nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry seeking to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. We invite people of all races, backgrounds, and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need of adequate shelter. Since 1976 we have provided over 200,000 houses serving more than one million people worldwide.
How does it work?
Habitat for Humanity does its work through local affiliate organizations. Like all affiliates, SESC Habitat is an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, we build and rehabilitate simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner partner families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are then used to build still more Habitat houses.
Is this a give-away program?
No! Habitat is definitely NOT a give-away program! In addition to paying the closing costs and the regular monthly mortgage payments (which include property taxes and homeowners insurance), homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor – sweat equity – into building their Habitat house and the houses of others. The cost of a Habitat house here in this area is about $50,000.
How are the partner families selected?
Through application to local affiliates, partner families are chosen using three criteria: 1. Level of need. 2. Willingness to become partners in the program. 3. The ability to repay the no-interest loan. Every affiliate follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection.
Where do the building funds come from?
All funds for building are raised within our local area from individuals, businesses, industries, churches, social and service groups. No government funds are received, nor is SESC Habitat is a United Way agency, although some people choose to designate their United Way donations to Habitat.
How are donations used?
Donations are used to purchase supplies and land necessary for building houses. Donations received designated by the donors for a specific project or purpose are used as instructed. A tithe of 10% of undesignated donations is sent to Habitat for Humanity International to support global housing projects.
I am physically unable to do construction work. Can I play a volunteer role at SESC Habitat for Humanity?
Yes, absolutely! The process of creating decent, affordable housing in our community needs many talents. If you can write, do administrative work, assist in fundraising, or coordinate with volunteers and partner families, we need you!
Can I get a Form 990 for SESC Habitat for Humanity?
A Form 990 provides information about how an organization is spending their funds and about the finacial status of the organization. Additional information about Form 990 is available from the Not for Profit Coordinating Committee of New York. Form 990s for SESC Habitat for Humanity are available from NYCharities.org and GiudeStar.org.
