Frequently Asked Questions About Habitat for Humanity

Does Habitat for Humanity give homes to people in need?

No. Habitat for Humanity builds decent, affordable homes for families in need and then sells these homes to these "Partner Families" at cost. We are able to make these homes affordable by providing no-interest mortgages. The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments then go into a revolving "Fund for Humanity" that is used to build more homes for more families in need.

Homeowners are also required to invest 500 hours of their own labour, what we call "sweat equity," helping Habitat volunteers build their home and the homes of others. Sweat equity is also performed by volunteering in the ReStore and for other non-profit organisations in the community.  The 500 hours of Sweat Equity are to be completed PRIOR to moving into the home.

How are Habitat Partner Families selected?

Adult applicants must attend an Information Session to receive an application. The Family Selection Committee then chooses Partner Families based upon their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the programme, and their ability to pay a mortgage, property taxes, and home insurance. A Habitat home should be "a blessing, not a burden." To qualify, families must be able afford the cost of Habitat shelter without having to cut back on food and clothing.

Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island Society adheres to the Human Rights Code of British Columbia when selecting its Partner Families.

How are donations distributed and used?

Donations to Habitat for Humanity for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island Society are spent as directed by the donor. Because our ReStore pays for all our administrative expenses, every penny donated to Habitat for Humanity Miid-Vancouver Island Society is spent on building homes. "Undesignated" cash donations, that is donations not directed to a specific purpose, are tithed. This means that we send 10% of all undesignated donations to the National Office to help build homes overseas. Again, every penny tithed is spent on building homes. None of it is retained by the National Office for administration or other purposes.

Who controls and manages Habitat?

Habitat is a grass-roots movement. Concerned citizens from all walks of life come together as volunteers to form a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in their community. Each affiliate, including the Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island Society, is a distinct and separate legal entity governed by its own board of directors. All affiliates must be Registered Charities recognised by the Canada Revenue Agency. Fund raising, house construction, family selection and other key decisions are carried out by local affiliates.

Habitat for Humanity Canada provides support to affiliates through a wide number of nation-wide programmes. This support includes help with obtaining donations of building materials, fundraising, and training. The National Office, through its board of directors, also sets national policy and monitors affiliate operations. The National Board is elected by the affiliates.