People are the
key at Habitat.
Habitat works when everyone works together. From donors to volunteers
to hard-working homeowners. Here's how we bring people together
to build homes and hope.
How Habitat Works
Each and every day, people all over the world (and all over Anchorage) partner with Habitat for Humanity to offer families strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Through this partnership, each family has the opportunity to build and purchase their own decent home with an affordable non-profit mortgage. When hard-working families are surrounded and supported by determined volunteers and generous donors, a future full of opportunity is built. Here's how Habitat works.
one
the partnership begins
Habitat for Humanity partners with individuals and families to help them achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. Families must be currently living in substandard housing, have a steady income, and be willing to partner with Habitat. Learn more about homeownership.
four
future homeowners prepare
Future homeowners progress through the Habitat partnership by completing sweat equity hours. This includes building their home and the homes of other families, completing financial literacy courses, and much more.
property is acquired
two
Land for a family's future home is donated to or purchased by Habitat. Habitat also renovates existing homes that are donated or purchased to create safe housing through the Preserve-A-Home program. Would you like to make a tax-deductible land or property donation? Contact us to learn more.
five
the home is built or renovated
Volunteers contribute their time to build or renovate a family's home. While serving with Habitat, volunteers will work alongside future homeowners and Habitat's construction manager - no previous experience or skills required. Volunteers are the heart of Habitat for Humanity! Learn more about volunteering.
three
resources are secured
Sponsors and donors contribute the financial resources that allow Habitat to secure the required materials and services to build or renovate each home. Businesses and organizations also donate their materials and services as a tax-deductible gift-in-kind. Contact us to learn more.
six
the home is sold
Once all of the partnership requirements have been met and the home construction or renovation is complete, the home is sold to the hard-working family or individual with a long term, non-profit mortgage. The family or individual now owns a safe, decent and affordable home.
seven
the cycle repeats
As current Habitat homeowners make payments on their non-profit mortgage, they are helping to fund the construction and renovation of additional homes with other low-income families. Every Habitat for Humanity home, whether new or renovated, has some funding from homeowner mortgage payments and proceeds from the Habitat ReStore.
How Families Qualify
To be eligible to purchase a Habitat home, potential homeowners must meet three areas of qualification:
Ability to Pay
Habitat homes are not given away. They are sold to homebuyers with a non-profit mortgage. Each family must demonstrate steady income.
Need for Housing
A family must be currently living in substandard housing. Habitat works each day to help families discover decent and affordable housing.
Willingness to Partner
A family must have the willingness to partner with Habitat by investing sweat equity in their home and the homes of other homebuyers.
How Communities
Benefit
When the people of a community are strengthened, the whole community is improved.
Habitat homeownership creates property tax payers
Families and individuals who partner with Habitat for Humanity are active, invested families who care deeply for the communities they are part of. As families settle in to their new homes and become part of the tax base, the who community is strengthened.
Committed homebuyers improve the homeownership base
When a community has a high rate of homeownership, a beautiful cycle of investment begins. This commitment to a better community means that everyone enjoys a stronger and healthier neighborhood.
Habitat connects people directly to those they are helping
Every person who volunteers and donates is a key part of changing a family's future. Homebuyers aren't people who are in far away places. They're folks who live and work in this community.
When invested homeowners focus their attention on keeping their home and community in excellent condition, neighborhoods enjoy higher levels of safety, security, and pride of homeownership.
Partnering with Habitat helps God's people to put their faith to work
As a Christian ministry, Habitat for Humanity Anchorage offers people of all faiths the opportunity to live out a commitment to service and care for the most vulnerable in our communities.
Volunteering with Habitat develops team-building skills
There's something special about serving together, and sharing an experience that is not only enjoyable, but makes a lasting impact for a family in need. Churches, businesses, organizations, and groups of all types and sizes can partner with us.
Invested homeowners overcome urban and rural blight
Volunteer
Every hand can make a difference with Habitat for Humanity. Whatever your skill set, stage of life, or passion, there is a place for you here.
Donate
Every gift creates opportunity to build a better life. When you make a donation, you're building the foundation of a family's brighter future.
Own a Home
Every one of us deserves a decent and affordable place to call home. We partner with hard-working families to offer a hand up, not a hand out.