Habitat for Humanity-Affordable Housing Option

Denver's need for affordable housing is as real as the need is elsewhere around the world. Studies show that affordable housing helps break some of the cycles of poverty. Children who grow up in homes owned by their parents do better in school, their families are more involved in the community and in the democratic process. These children are more likely to get better jobs, become homeowners, and stay off welfare when they grow up. Yet, it takes 2.5 minimum wage jobs ($38,000/year) for a family to afford the average rent in Denver! Section 8 rentals are one lower cost option for some families. So are some of the buyer assistance programs I've written about in earlier blogs. Still, for families earning less than $31,000 annually, more than 21,000 affordable units are needed for people who currently live in substandard housing. Imagine working 2.5 jobs and still having to live in substandard housing. When 33% or more of you income goes to lodging, there's not much left over for food and other living expenses. Since 1976 when Millard Fuller started Habitat for Humanity, there has been a growing force for giving hard working families a safe place to sleep and live. Habitat is addressing this need directly in 30 Colorado cities today. Around the world a new Habitat for Humanity home is completed every 21 minutes! Each home is soundly built with local supplies and in local styles.

Habitat for Humanity is very active in the Denver Metro area. Last Wednesday I was able to help with a day of labor on one of the local projects. This one is a modest duplex. The materials and labor for this home are all donated. It's not a "give away" however. After a rigorous selection process, the homeowners invest between $1200 and $1500 downpayment on the home. They then put in between 250 and 500 hours of labor in building their new home. They also take classes in home maintenance and agree to volunteer on other projects later. Once the home is complete, the family will be able to move in with a low interest mortgage that is set at 25% of their gross monthly income. Crews of volunteers from churches, businesses, and civic organizations are coordinated by local Habitat for Humanity coordinators. VistaCorps members direct and teach the volunteers who descend on the work site each day, putting them to task on whatever needs to be completed next. Licensed trades people do the technical work (plumbing, electrical, etc.). Quality building materials and standards are used throughout the building, so the end product is a safe, sound, energy efficient home. Green building products and methods are used in the home and during the building process. But, more on that later.

If you're interested in doing something about affordable housing and working with people who are dedicated to helping others help themselves, consider volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. I'm glad I did.

If you don't care to hammer, saw, and paint, perhaps you could donate furniture, old or unused building materials after a home project, or time to the local Habitat Outlet Store. Of course money donations are also accepted. If you care to make more quality housing affordable, Habitat will put to good use whatever you can give: time, talent, materials, or money.