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Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio, Inc. (HFHSA) is an ecumenical Christian non-profit housing organization working in partnership with God’s people in need to build simple, decent, and affordable homes. We are celebating our 31st year of serving families in need in San Antonio.
HFHSA works with low-income families who would not otherwise be able to afford a house. We partner with families in need and help them build affordable houses for themselves and their families at no interest and no profit. We are not a charity or a “hand out” program, but rather we help families help themselves. As of December 2007, we have built houses with 533 families in need!
We work with families whose total income is generally 25% – 60% of the area median income. Families are accepted to the Habitat program based on their need, ability to pay a zero percent interest mortgage, and their willingness to partner. Applicants must be residents of Bexar County. Once accepted, homeowners are eligible to buy a house from Habitat with a 20 – 25 year zero percent interest mortgage. Families spend a minimum of 300 hours investing in “sweat equity” where they support and help build their own home and the homes of their neighbors. Monthly payments average $375 - $425 (including taxes and insurance). In our thirty-year history we have less than a 1.5% foreclosure rate.
Our funding comes through partnerships with individuals, corporations, foundations, churches, and civic groups. It costs approximately $63,000 to build a Habitat house in 2008, including materials, tools and supplies. HFHSA relies mostly on private sources of funding to build our affordable houses. Habitat will accept government funding for land acquisition, infrastructure and site preparation expenses. Since the success of our Home Centers fund our administrative expenses, 100% of every donated dollar goes directly into our building program.
At HFHSA, volunteers are the heart of our organization. From board members to those directly involved in construction, volunteers make the difference. More than 12,000 volunteers assisted in various HFHSA activities each year. Our volunteers build the houses, raise funds, work in our administrative offices, provide lunch for volunteers at the work site, work at our Home Centers and do much, much more.
HFHSA operates three Habitat Home Centers (previously named the ReSTORE). They are new and used building materials retail stores. New, donated and salvaged building materials are sold to the public at a reduced cost. The proceeds of the sales fund HFHSA’s administrative expenses. Home Centers are located at 311 Probandt, 8125 Meadowleaf and 5482 Walzem. For more information or to make donations please call 210/223-3647.
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