HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF CENTRAL LANE

Habitat for Humanity of Central Lane (HFH CL) is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization building basic, decent homes in partnership with low-income residents of our community. HFH CL is an affiliate in good standing with Habitat for Humanity International. Since incorporation in 1990, HFH CL has built 68 homes in its service area. Additionally, Habitat has completed over 20 exterior repair or accessibility projects through its A Brush With Kindness (ABWK) program. Houses and repair projects are typically completed through sponsorships by area churches, businesses, service groups, local governments, foundations, and individuals.

The Homeownership Program uses three primary criteria determine eligibility for Habitat: Need; Willingness to Partner; and Ability to Pay a zero-interest mortgage. Need is determined by both income, between 30%-60% of the area’s median income, and the applicant’s current housing circumstances. Willingness to partner is shown through sweat equity, 300 to 500 hours depending on the number of adults to live in the home. Ability to Pay is relates to stability income, credit history, and related factors that could impact a family’s ability pay their mortgage. The Repair program uses the same criteria, although fewer hours of sweat equity are required and there is a non-secured loan agreement covering the costs of materials and supplies needed for the repair.

Homeownership Partner Families participate in educational classes such as financial management, budgeting, and avoidance strategies regarding predatory lending practices. Families learn various construction and home repair and maintenance skills helping them become more self-reliant and better prepared for their new ownership roles. Each family is paired with a volunteer who is a family advocate, helping troubleshoot problems that arise and assist in various decisions regarding the building process.

The A Brush With Kindness (ABWK) home repair program provides minor exterior home repairs including house painting, gutter work, some landscaping, deck repairs, and accessibility features such as ramps for senior citizens, those with disabilities, and veterans. Eligible partners in the ABWK program must own their own homes and not be in default on their mortgages. Eligibility criteria include Need, Willingness to Partner, and Ability to Pay (a zero percent interest loan) factors similar to those in the homeownership program.

Habitat operates 2 ReStores (1 in Eugene and 1 in Cottage Grove) selling new and used building materials and supplies and related items that are donated to Habitat for sale to the public. Donations of goods to the ReStore come from businesses, service groups, and individuals. Through the ReStore, usable materials are reused, repurposed, or recycled. Proceeds from the operation support Habitat’s housing program.