http://www.habitat.org
Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles works in partnership with God, the community, and people in need by building and renovating homes to make affordable home ownership a matter of conscience and action.
Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller and is headquartered in Americus, Georgia. The Los Angeles affiliate of HFHI was founded in July of 1991. Affiliates are local 501(c)(3) organizations of HFHI that direct house-building work in their own communities. There are over 1,500 US affiliates in all 50 states, plus more than 300 international affiliates in over 80 countries. Since 1976 HFHI has completed over 150,000 homes. HFH-LA has completed over 95 homes since 1992. Affiliates raise their own funds to build homes.
Where does HFH-LA build?: HFH-LA covers almost the entire Los Angeles basin. From the ocean on the west, to Whittier on the east, and from the 91 freeway on the south to Mulholland Drive on the North. HFH-LA builds anywhere in that area that it can acquire land.
Who controls and manages HFH-LA?: Each affiliate is an independently governed entity. HFH-LA has a Board of Directors (all volunteers) who conduct their own fundraising and set their own policy. In addition, HFH-LA has a full time professional staff to manage the daily operations of the affiliate.
How does it work?: Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, HFH-LA builds and renovates safe, affordable houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to the families at no profit and financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The monthly mortgage payments of into a revolving Fund for Humanity that is used to build even more homes.
A "Hand-Up" not a "Hand-Out": Habitat is not a give-away program. In addition to a 1% cash down payment and monthly mortgage payments, first-time homeowners who meet the selection criteria of the Family Selection Committee invest 500 hours of their own labor ("sweat equity") into the building of their homes, other Habitat homes, and other HFH-LA activities.
How does Habitat work with the Government?: Habitat does accept government funds for the acquisition of land or houses in need of rehabilitation. Habitat does not accept government funds for construction costs. Habitat also accepts government funds for streets, utilities and administrative expenses. Habitat is a non-profit Christian housing ministry, not a government organization.
How does Habitat Fund its Building and Program Activity?: HFH-LA invites individuals, corporations, foundations, religious congregations or other organizations to "adopt" or sponsor a Habitat home or part of one. Through this partnership, sponsors supply funds to cover material and construction costs, permit fees and taxes. They also provide volunteers to work with the homeowners and skilled construction workers in the construction of the houses. Each affiliate raises its own funds to build houses. Affiliates also tithe a portion of unrestricted funds to HFHI to support the construction of homes around the world.
Who can build?: Anyone over the age of 16 can build at an HFH-LA construction site. No previous construction skill is required. Volunteers are scheduled for both construction and office needs through our Volunteer Page.
Is Habitat a Christian Organization?: HFH-LA is based on Christian ideals, but is open to people of all religions. You do not have to be Christian to volunteer or apply for housing.
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I emailed my form in a week and a half ago and am waiting to be contacted. You can specify what skills or experiecne you can offer in what area of Los Angeles, many different projects are happening. You do not have to be a construction worker to help.
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