Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County

Background Statement

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County (HFHLPC) was approved in 1994 as an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Our affiliate organization was formed to address the need for affordable housing in La Plata County. We have built over 70 homes since our inception and our next two homes will begin in Spring 2024.

Our mission is to provide homeownership to those with incomes between 30-80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The majority of La Plata County's workforce earn in this range including teachers, law enforcement, hospitality, firefighters and EMS, construction, and more. These people and their professions keep our community afloat, and it is our goal to make homeownership more accessible and security a reality.

HABITAT LA PLATA SELECTS OUR FAMILY PARTNERS BASED ON:

1) NEED- currently living in unhealthy or unsanitary conditions, unsafe neighborhood, overcrowding in the home, unaffordable rent.

2) WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER- homeowners are required to complete a homebuyer education and invest in their home with 250 hours of "sweat equity" working alongside other volunteers. Habitat of La Plata has implemented a policy allowing the homeowner to recruit family and friends to work 180 of their required hours.

3) ABILITY to qualify for the mortgage and purchase the home with a mortgage payment capped at 30% of their income.

For a family of four, the annual income range to qualify for the mortgage facilitated through Habitat of La Plata is between $33,150 and $88,400 which is too low for traditional home loans. Qualifying for a Habitat home based on this income, and with a capped mortgage, gives families the ability to channel their income to other expenses such as food, auto, transportation and medical needs.

Creating stronger communities and building relationships comes from not only giving families a place to call “home”, but also through the collaboration and teamwork of future homeowners, volunteers, and industry partners. It is our desire to offer a lift-up and not a hand-out, leading to improved self-esteem, sense of accomplishment and independence.