Habitat-for-Humanity Task force

Habitat for Humanity is an International program and Kerrville has a chapter here which builds quality affordable homes for low income families.    There are eleven (11) covenant churches in Kerrville which monetarily support Habitat for Humanity and KFUMC is one of these.   Also individuals, businesses, and service organizations support home building with financial resources and volunteers perform the labor necessary for home construction.

 Some facts about this home construction program are:

1. Families and friends must contribute 450 hours of sweat equity on houses for other families - not just their own home.

2.  Children of homebuyers age 14 and older must do sweat equity on the houses also.

3.  Volunteers work with the families to build the homes under the guidance of a Habitat Construction Supervisor.

4.  Homebuyers are required to attend fifteen (15) hours of classes in budgeting finances, home maintenance, home safety, lawn care, making out a will, and how to be a good neighbor.

5.  Each homeowner has a 20-year interest free mortgage.   Monthly payments currently are about $400.00 per month.

6.  Before a family is selected, they must prove financial ability to repay the mortgage.

7.  Families must reside in Kerr County for one year prior to being eligible to apply for a Habitat home.

8.  Homebuyers pay for additional options and all utility deposits on their own home.

9.  Homebuyers select their accessories - countertops, light fixtures.

10. Whirlpool Corp. provides a refrigerator and stove for each home.

 At KFUMC we have a cadre of congregation members who volunteer to build Habitat homes.   One of our members, Tom McGlathery, was recognized as the Habitat Volunteer for the Year 2006.   For additional information, or to become a home construction volunteer  in Habitat for Humanity please call Steve Hamilton, Executive Director for Habitat-for-Humanity at 895-1754. Habitat for Humanity International web site is also available at www.habitat.org/local/ to find more habitat news and events in Kerrville.