FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions2021-12-01T11:50:54-08:00

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can anyone apply to be a Habitat homeowner?2021-10-13T13:53:34-07:00

Families who meet the application criteria are welcome to apply. Click here to see application guidelines and criteria. The selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the no-interest loan. Habitat follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families who receive Habitat houses.

How does a Habitat mortgage work?2021-10-13T13:54:16-07:00

Habitat is the initial lender for your 30-year affordable mortgage that will be set at no more than 30% of your household gross monthly income. The monthly payments that are paid to Habitat are used to help build more homes.

What does it cost to purchase a Habitat home?2021-10-13T13:54:41-07:00

Monthly housing payments are approximately 30% of the family’s monthly income. This includes the principal, house insurance, HOA (if applicable), and property taxes.

Is there a waiting list?2021-10-13T13:55:13-07:00

We do not have a waitlist. Applications are not accepted on an open or rolling basis. Instead, we accept applications during an open period specific to the properties that are for sale at that time.

How are the partner families selected?2021-10-13T13:55:40-07:00

Applicants need to fulfill a set of requirements in order to apply. Please click here for more information. (link to “homes” page).

What does Habitat “affiliate” mean?2021-10-13T14:05:54-07:00

Habitat for Humanity’s work is accomplished at the community level by affiliates — independent, locally run, nonprofit organizations. Each affiliate coordinates all aspects of Habitat home building in its local area — fund raising, building site selection, partner family selection and support, house construction and mortgage servicing. Habitat for Humanity Coachella Valley is such a local affiliate.

What is Habitat for Humanity International?2021-10-13T14:04:39-07:00

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.

Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, ethnicities and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.

Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller.

How does it work?2021-10-13T14:05:45-07:00

Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates 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 used to build still more Habitat houses.

Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and the monthly mortage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor — sweat equity — into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.

What does a Habitat house cost?2021-10-13T14:05:37-07:00

Throughout the world, the cost of houses varies from as little as $800 in some developing countries to an average of $66,200 in the United States and an average of $120,000 in the Coachella Valley.

Habitat houses are affordable for low-income families because there is no profit included in the sale price and no interest charged on the 20 – 30 year mortgage.

How can I help?2021-10-13T14:04:38-07:00

Habitat for Humanity Coachella Valley is always looking for construction partners, donors and volunteers.

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