Building Homes, Building Hope

Habitat for Humanity - Anchorage seeks to build hope as well as homes.  Through the homes we build, hope is restored and lives are changed as the cycle of need is broken.

How we build is just as important as what we build.  Habitat homes are built with a contribution of 250 - 600 hours of "sweat equity" on the part of the Partner Families.

By investing themselves in the building process, Partner Families gain self-reliance, self-esteem and new skills.

By investing time, money, materials, and their expertise, Habitat volunteers, donors, organizations, businesses and professional trades gain new relationships, which extend far beyond the immediate impact.  Habitat brings together people from all walks of life, with varied skills and economic backgrounds to achieve a common goal of service to others.

Method
The Family Selection Committee periodically solicits applicants for Partner Families throughout the Anchorage Bowl, whose income is 30% - 60% of the median income for the Anchorage area based on family size.  Applicants must be residents of the United States or have a green card and must have lived in the Municipality of Anchorage for at least one year.  Families are selected based on their need, ability to pay and willingness to partner with Habitat.

Selected families who are successful in completing the requirements will receive a no profit, no-interest mortgage on a home built to accommodate their family size and budget.

The Partner Family will be make a $250 down payment due prior to construction and must save $3000 for closing costs before moving into the house.  They will pay a typical mortgage payment of $640-$740 per month including insurance and property taxes on the full value of the home.

The sale of Habitat homes to Partner Families is structured to give Habitat a first right of refusal to purchase, which assures continued affordability beyond the first owner.  Down payments and monthly mortgage payments are reinvested and used to build more homes through a revolving fund.  In this way, we can ensure that Habitat homes will continue to help address the need for affordable housing in the Municipality of Anchorage.