Many charities offer food and a temporary place to sleep, but Habitat for Humanity volunteers do more than offer a bed for the night — they build homes for local families. The Springfield/Eugene Habitat for Humanity has built 32 houses in 14 years, and numbers 33 and 34 are almost complete.
The houses are single-family homes that cost on average about $50,000 plus the cost of land.
“The homes are small, usually about 1,000 square feet,” Executive Director Florrie Turconi said. “But land is really expensive. The last piece we bought was $34,000 for a 4,500-square-foot piece of land. Finding land right now is our most difficult problem. We need flat, level ground, and it’s just not there.”
Families receiving homes must meet certain criteria to be accepted. They must have lived in the area for at least one year and must earn between 30 and 60 percent of the median income bracket for people in the area. Additionally, the home the family is currently living in must be inadequate. Inadequate housing is housing that is too small for the family’s size or that has physical problems that make the house structurally dangerous or unhealthy to live in.
“There are families that rent one room from relatives,” Turconi said. “Other houses are moldy and dilapidated. One room is not adequate for a whole family, and people shouldn’t have to live in unsafe houses.”
Families interested in becoming homeowners through Habitat must be able to prove a steady income and have fair credit. A common misconception is that Habitat gives the homes away. In fact, Habitat sells them to the families at a zero percent interest rate on a 20- to 30-year mortgage plan. The families must also take part in “sweat equity,” which requires the family spend 500 hours helping to build other homes and their own.
“These homes aren’t a give away,” Turconi said. “They have to work for it and pay for it. The family works with volunteers to build their home and other homes. It is a real investment from the ground up.”
It usually takes about two years for families to get through the program.
“We have to find land, get donations and organize volunteers. It’s a lengthy process,” office manager Terri Brown said.
Habitat homes are funded through private donations, fundraising, government grants and donor options through United Way. Some groups donate money, time, materials or parts of the home.
“Sometimes a company will donate the roof,” Turconi said. “Others will donate flooring or lighting.”
Recently, a young school group held a fundraiser for Habitat and raised just under $300. The group’s money purchased switch plates, plugs and a kitchen light for a house.”The kids had a field day and came out to the house,” Turconi said. “We showed them just what their money bought. They had so much fun seeing the house and what they did to help.”
Brown became interested in Habitat after her church partnered with another church to build a house. After working on the project, a job opened up at Habitat. She has now been there for eight years.
“I love working with all of the people,” Brown said. “Seeing the changes as people develop skills and patience from working toward a goal is great.”
Habitat homes are built by volunteers. The organization is always in need of more help for construction, as well as service on various committees. Volunteer orientation meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the basement of the Baptist church on the corner of 12th and G streets in Springfield.
Constructing a house of dreams
Daily Emerald
December 2, 2004
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