Frequently Asked Questions

Does Habitat for Humanity for San Luis Obispo County (HFHSLOCO) give homes to poor people?

Habitat homes are sold to partner families. HFHSLOCO believes low-income families need a hand-up, not a hand out. Habitat works with very-low to low income families to build simple, decent, affordable houses. Families contribute 500 hours of sweat equity labor on their homes during construction. Once the house is complete, it is sold to the family at or below cost with a no interest loan. The family pays a monthly mortgage to Habitat and that money is used to build more houses.

Why does Habitat advocate for homeownership?

Research studies show that homeowner benefits include wealth accumulation, improved safety and security for homeowner families and their neighborhoods, and improved health for homeowners and their children. Children who live in their own home are more likely to finish high school, go to college and have reduced behavioral problems. In addition, owning a home has a beneficial effect on the surrounding communities because homeowners are more likely to become involved in civic and community activities. Homeownership provides independence from subsidized support for future generations.

What are the qualifications to become a Habitat Homeowner?

a. Need

b. Steady employment , a satisfactory credit rating and the ability to make house payments

c. An income between 30-60% of average median income for San Luis Obispo County

d. Willingness to partner with Habitat (500 hours of sweat equity labor)

e. An inability to obtain a home loan through other means

f. Citizenship or legal residency and a minimum of one year in San Luis Obispo County

Where does the money come from to build a Habitat house?

Habitat homes are built with donations of money and materials using volunteer labor. Although we sometimes receive grants from government sources, we are not a government agency. We do not receive funds from Habitat for Humanity International. HFHSLOCO depends on the generosity of the community to raise the money needed to build. Houses can be sponsored by groups, individuals, businesses or churches.

Is HFHSLOCO part of a church?

No. While HFHSLOCO is an ecumenical, Christian housing ministry, people of all faiths, and those with no religious affiliation, are invited to help build, volunteer, or participate in our activities and programs.

What has Habitat accomplished in San Luis Obispo County?

Since 2006, we have built 14 homes, 1 in Cambria, 3 in Paso Robles, 4 in Atascadero, 4 in Grover Beach, and  two homes in San Luis Obispo. We are moving forward with plans that would allow us to build as many as 15 more homes through 2015.

HFHSLOCO builds homes with low income families, however we do more! As a vital community partner we assisted the Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless to construct the Prado Road Day Center for the Homeless in 1997. In 2006 we built a ‘house in box’ that went to a family in Mobile Alabama who lost their home in Hurricane Katrina. Through our tithe to Habitat for Humanity International we have funded 12 homes in Mexico from 1997-2009.

In 2012 we will launch A Brush with Kindness, a program that assists low-income homeowners impacted by age, disability and family circumstances, maintain the exterior of their homes by providing painting, landscaping, and minor repair services.

How can I help?

There are many ways you can contribute to eradicating generational poverty and poverty housing. We need volunteers to help with construction, to work in our ReStores or to serve on our committees. Donations of building materials for resale at our ReStores and cash donations are also essential to our success.