What is Habitat for Humanity?

Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization that works in partnership with foundations, corporations, congregations, schools, civic groups and individuals to eliminate poverty housing and develop neighborhoods for people in need who would have no other way to purchase a home of their own.

How long has Habitat for Humanity been on Cape Cod?

The organization was founded in 1988.

How many Habitat homes have been built on Cape Cod?

Currently, Habitat has built 68 homes. We are in the process of building six homes on six seperate sites in Dennis Port, Wellfleet, South Dennis and Mashpee.

Where are most of these homes located?

HHCC has homes built in all 15 townships in Barnstable County.

Habitat’s goal is not only to create individual homeowners, but also to contribute significantly to neighborhood revitalization. By concentrating efforts on neighboring blocks, Habitat has had a dramatic impact on the character of the neighborhoods in which it is working.

How great is the need for Habitat’s services?

Demand is enormous. Currently, there is a growing pool of families living in substandard, overcrowded, and overly expensive housing on Cape Cod. We work with people who contact us directly, respond to our announcements or are referred to us.

How does the process work?

Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Homeowners are required to contribute between 250 and 500 hours of "sweat-equity" into building their own and their neighbors’ Habitat houses. Houses are purchased from Habitat with a 0% interest mortgage, creating affordable homeowner mortgage payments.

How are partner families selected?

Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod serves families who earn less than 65 percent of area median income and who would have no other way to own a home of their own. In addition, Habitat takes into account a family’s current living situation when selecting families for its program. Habitat seeks to lift families out of substandard conditions, overly expensive and overcrowded conditions.

The family selection committee considers applicants level of need, their willingness to become partners in the Habitat program and their ability to repay the no-interest loan. A nondiscriminatory policy of family selection is followed.

What does a Habitat house cost?

Currently, a three-bedroom Habitat house in on Cape Cod costs the homeowner an average of $108,000. Habitat houses are affordable for low-income families because there is no profit included in the sale price and no interest charged on the mortgage. The family pays closing costs of approximately $2,500. The average length of a Habitat mortgage is 20-25 years. The average monthly payment is approximately $650.

What is the average cost of housing on Cape Cod?

The average three-bedroom house costs $300,000 including taxes. A three-bedroom apartment rental averages $1,500.

Who funds Habitat?

The largest portion of our funding comes from individuals who believe that access to affordable homeownership opportunities should be a matter of conscience. Other significant funds come from our partners in the communities we serve: businesses, faith partners, civic groups and foundations.

How does Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod differ from Habitat for Humanity International?

Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod is one of more than 1,300 active affiliates located in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. There also are more than 250 international affiliates coordinating some 800 building projects in 90 other countries around the world. Every Habitat affiliate is independently incorporated and locally governed and is affiliated with Habitat for Humanity International.

Is Habitat for Humanity a Christian organization?

Habitat was founded on Christian principles of fellowship, charity and a firm belief that all people deserve a simple, decent place to live. Exercising the theology of the hammer, Habitat’s unique partnership includes people of diverse faiths and backgrounds at all levels. Working with Habitat is a great way to put your faith into action.