January 16, 2013

Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East has reached their $12 million fundraising goal!

Habitat works to create successful homeownership by partnering hardworking families in need with the community to build healthy, affordable homes.

Their fundraising campaign, “A World of Hope: It Starts at Home,” is the first campaign our local Habitat has done since it was founded in 1981. A World of Hope began a little over a year ago, when landowners were looking to sell off land during the housing market’s downturn. Habitat for Humanity saw this as a great opportunity to bank some land, and create new homes for families in our community.

The large plots purchased can fit 30-40 homes each - instead of the one or two homes on the land that Habitat for Humanity usually has to work with. Homebuyers can purchase a Habitat home with a zero percent interest loan.

To qualify for a Habitat for Humanity home, families must make 30 to 60 percent of the median household income ($20,800 to $41,640 for a family of four).  Homeowners must make payments on time, and put in 500 hours of “sweat equity” on Habitat construction sites.

Through their homeownership programs, Habitat for Humanity supports entire communities, helping them grow and thrive.

Altogether, Habitat expects to build 150 homes for families with the total land purchased.

Habitat for Humanity plans to ramp up house production in Multnomah County after completing its $12 million fundraising campaign

Anneli Tostar special to The Oregonian