Puerto Peñasco Living Magazine is proud to be a major supporter of Habitat for Humanity. Here you will find insightful information into the mission of Habitat, it’s volunteers, donors, and it’s home owners. Please take the time to learn about Habitat and its mission. If you are moved by what you learn, please give of your time and money. Contact us for more information.

Thank You for Your Support
Kyle J. Wood
Managing Editor

Owning a home in the United State is the dream of most Americans. It is a dream that is engrained within our society that a way out of poverty is home ownership. A home is an investment that will grow in value and eventually build wealth for the proud owners of that home. Unfortunately, today, in the United States, the dream of home ownership is out of the reach of many Americans.

Through the work of Habitat for Humanity, thousands of low-income families have found new hope in achieving the American dream. Established in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat’s mission is to build simple, decent and affordable homes in partnership with families in need,

Although, Habitat is commonly identified with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn, it was not until 1984 that the former U.S. President and his wife took their first Habitat work trip to New York City. Through their personal involvement in the Habitat Christian Ministry, they brought the organization national visibility and sparked interest in Habitat’s work across the Nation. Today, Habitat for Humanity has sheltered more than 1 million people in more than 3,000 communities world wide. In the United States 

alone, Habitat has built more than 250,000 homes with the dedicated help of volunteers in more than 1,700 local affiliates. All are dedicated to the sole mission of helping to provide affordable, decent housing.

Phoenix metropolitan area is served by Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona; one of the top 10 HFH chapters in the United States. With a 2008-2009 annual budget of $12 million dollars and $30 million dollars in assets, HFH Central Arizona is projected to help facilitate the building of 45 affordable homes in FY 08-09 across the Valley. The communities served by HFHCA included Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Guadeloupe, Fountain Hills, Higley, Laveen, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Glendale, Surprise, Peoria, and Buckeye, el Mirage, and Avondale.

HFHCA is support entirely by individual and corporate donations, federal, state and city grants, private foundations, and income generated by it’s 3 resale stores. It costs Habitat approximately $130,000 dollars to build a 3-4 bedroom home in the Valley. Major expense items include land, concrete, and building material. A majority of the home is built by volunteers and the expected home owner. Grading of the property, pouring of the foundation and stem walls, and dry wall installation are completed by professional contractors. Some of the construction material is donated, however a majority of it is purchased at local retailers.

Habitat does screen its potential applicants based on a number of criteria. In general, the family’s gross household income must be between 30 and 60 percent of the median income for the Phoenix area for the past 2 years. The appreciate must have a two-year history of stable income, their monthly long term debt payment should not be more than 40% of the family’s income, they must have a good credit history, the ability to cover closing costs, and they must be a U.S citizen or a permanent resident alien with proper documentation. Additionally, the family must show a need of safe living conditions and a lack of decent housing. Finally, the prospective HFH homeowner must be willing to contribute 400 hours of sweat equity towards the building of Habitat homes; theirs and another HFH home owner. The qualified Habitat homeowner is then eligible for a 0% percent interest loan underwritten by Habitat which must be repaid to Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona over a 30 year period.

Habitat For Humanity Central Arizona has a staff of over 30 dedicate employees and is supported by thousand of volunteers, committee members, and board members. All of the dedicated individuals believe in our communities, in the families, in our partners, in helping to change lives, in diversity, and in education. They believe in the power of homeownership, in the power of the volunteer spirt and they believe in the power of faith.

Individuals who are interested in serving the mission of Habitat for Humanity can find satisfaction on one of the many standing committee at Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona. The standing committees include, family selection, family partnership, construction, resource development, volunteer, audit, finance, and nominating. Volunteers can also participate on the work site learning and facilitating the build of a home with no experience necessary.

Volunteer opportunity are also available at one of the 3 resale stores across the valley. The Habitat Resale Store sells used construction and home furnishing related items. Some of the items are new items donated by the major home improvement stores. The sales generated from sale of home furnishing items goes directly to help support the administrative expenses of Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona, leaving donations and grants to go to the building of homes.

Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona welcomes your support and your inquires. We encourage you to get involved in the mission of helping to provide decent affordable housing.