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“Habitat offers a true partnership
arrangement by which families in the limited income ranges can attain their goal of home ownership.”
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Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity is part of a worldwide, nonprofit, non-denominational Christian housing
ministry which provides zero-interest mortgage loans to qualified hardworking limited income families. “Our
philosophy is ‘a hand up, not a handout,’” says board chairman Ann Felton. “Habitat offers a true partnership
arrangement by which families in the limited income ranges can attain their goal of home ownership.”
Donations from private individuals, companies, churches,
foundations, and civic groups are pooled and used to construct solid, insulated, energy-efficient homes
that are sold for the cost of construction. Donated land and volunteer labor
help keep
the house cost down. Central Oklahoma Habitat's
basic house plans range from a two bedroom, one bath house for $60,000 to a four bedroom, two bath
house for
$85,000, depending on plan and location. No down payment is charged, and monthly house payments are
based on 25% of the homeowner’s
gross monthly income, including taxes and insurance. Mortgage payments go back into Habitat’s construction
budget to build more homes for more qualified families. This recycling of funds is what attracts many
people to give to Habitat for Humanity. All donations go directly into the construction of homes.
Qualifying for the Habitat program is easier than
many people think. Applicants must demonstrate a need for the Habitat program, have a stable annual household
income of at least $16,000 per year, and be the head(s) of household. Approved applicants
are required to
contribute 300 volunteer hours (sweat equity) working with Habitat prior to purchasing their Habitat home, and must
be willing to live where Habitat is building homes. Credit is reviewed and does not have to be perfect,
but does matter. Habitat also looks for at least one year of stable rent and utility payment history,
and at least one year of stable work history.
Central
Oklahoma Habitat has constructed more than 465 homes
since 1990. At least 45 homes will be built in 2008, located in
all four quadrants of Oklahoma City
and in Mustang.
Habitat accepts no government funding for construction
of homes,
and its administration is funded by earned income from
Habitat's Donation Pick-up Service.
The Habitat Renovation Station is located at 1800 N.
Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City. It is a retail hardware and supply store open to the public that specializes in new,
used and one-of-a-kind building materials and is an ideal resource for the do-it-yourself-er.
Profits from the Renovation
Station go directly to Habitat home construction.
If you would like more
information about Habitat’s home ownership program, please go to
Apply to
Purchase Home. To find out more about how you can get involved, go to
Lending Your Time and Talents. You can reach
the Habitat office at (405) 232-4828, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday. We hope to see you soon!
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