About Habitat For Humanity
Mission Statement Otsego County Habitat for Humanity, a nondenominational Christian organization, works in partnership to build or renovate adequate housing, creating stronger families and a better community. Our Christian Identity The ultimate goal of Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the face of the earth by building adequate, basic housing. All of Habitat’s works and actions are for the ultimate purpose of putting shelter on the hearts and minds of people in such a powerful way that poverty housing and homelessness become socially, politically, and religiously unacceptable in our nation and the world. Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety. Habitat has an open-door policy: all who desire to be a part of this work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background. Habitat for Humanity has always had a policy of building with people in need regardless of race or religion, and we welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds. The work of Habitat for Humanity is driven by the desire to give tangible expression to the love of God through the work of eliminating poverty housing. Habitat's mission and methods are predominantly derived from a few key theological concepts: the necessity of putting faith into action, the "economics of Jesus" and the "theology of the hammer." Putting Faith into Action Habitat's ministry is based on the conviction that to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ we must reflect Christ's love in our own lives by loving and caring for one another. Our love must not be words only -- it must be true love, which shows itself in action. Habitat provides an opportunity for people to put their faith and love into action, bringing diverse groups of people together to make affordable housing and better communities a reality for everyone. The Economics of Jesus Habitat is a partnership founded on common ground -- bridging theological differences by putting love into action. Everyone can use the hammer as an instrument to manifest God's love. Habitat Founder and President Millard Fuller calls this concept "the theology of the hammer," explaining, "we may disagree on all sorts of other things... but we can agree on the idea of building homes with God's people in need, and in doing so using biblical economics: no profit and no interest." Habitat for Humanity welcomes all people to build with us in partnership. "The Bible teaches that God is the God of the whole crowd," explains Fuller. "God's love leaves nobody out, and my love should not either. This understanding drives 'the theology of the hammer' around the world, steadily building more and more houses in more and more countries." The Theology of the Hammer Habitat is a partnership founded on common ground -- bridging theological differences by putting love into action. Everyone can use the hammer as an instrument to manifest God's love. Habitat Founder and President Millard Fuller calls this concept "the theology of the hammer," explaining, "we may disagree on all sorts of other things... but we can agree on the idea of building homes with God's people in need, and in doing so using biblical economics: no profit and no interest." Habitat for Humanity welcomes all people to build with us in partnership. "The Bible teaches that God is the God of the whole crowd," explains Fuller. "God's love leaves nobody out, and my love should not either. This understanding drives 'the theology of the hammer' around the world, steadily building more and more houses in more and more countries." Our Program We only build in Otsego County. We are the only nonprofit organization whose mission is to build decent and affordable homes solely in our county. Families are selected based on these three primary criteria:
Myths about Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity gives homes away. False. After the home is complete, we sell the home to the prospective homeowners. Families make monthly payments on a 0% interest mortgage held by the affiliate. Monthly payments are determined by the income of the family. Habitat gives homes to the very poor. False. Families must have sufficient income to pay the mortgage, but cannot make so much as to allow them to get a mortgage on their own. Habitat homes cannot be taken away from the families. False. If families do not make their payments, we can foreclose on the home. Foreclosures on Habitat homes are statistically rare, but they are not uncommon. Habitat ReStore In July 2004, we opened the first full time, large scale Habitat ReStore in northern lower Michigan. The Habitat ReStore, located across from Home Depot on M-32, provides the community with a place where they can donate new and used home improvement items. These items are then resold to the community with proceeds benefiting our local Habitat affiliate. While not a unique idea for Habitat affiliates around the country, our affiliate became the smallest affiliate in Michigan to attempt such a store. The success of the ReStore has allowed our affiliate to become an exciting example for surrounding Habitat affiliates in northern Michigan! |
