There are many things that Habitat for Humanity does in the communities we serve. However, there are also some myths about what Habitat does and how we operate.
Keep reading to learn the truth behind the Habitat for Humanity affordable homeownership model!
Myth: Habitat for Humanity gives homes away for free
Fact: If you think Habitat for Humanity gives away homes for free – think again! Habitat families pay a mortgage just like other homeowners. Families qualify for a no down payment, no interest mortgage, and then they buy their homes from us at fair market value.
So…who buys Habitat homes? Think about a bank teller, a transit operator, an administrative assistant, or an insurance agent - people who typically make between $40,000 and $60,000 per year. It's enough to get by, but when these are parents who have kids, it's nearly impossible to get ahead financially and save for a down payment. Buying a home is simply out of reach.
With that kind of financial stability, kids can put down roots and parents can start planning for the future.
Silvercreek boasts 32 affordable stacked townhomes in the Northwest Calgary community of Silver Springs.
Myth: Habitat for Humanity homes reduce neighbourhood property values.
.jpg?width=4000&height=2352&name=Habitat_210323%20(1).jpg)
Cornerstone located in Calgary's Northeast, is now home to 2 rows of townhomes. With 11 families now moved in, there are more than 40 children with a permanent place to call home!
Myth: Affordable housing looks “cheap and undesirable”.
Volunteer Crew Leaders, Dana and Ian, working alongside Women Build participants to frame Silvercreek.
Myth: Habitat for Humanity only builds houses in developing nations.
Fact: Habitat for Humanity builds houses in more than 70 countries and has helped more than 46 million people achieve strength, stability and independence through safe, decent and affordable shelter.
Here in Southern Alberta, Habitat is one of the only affordable homeownership providers. And that is what makes us different – it’s not a rental or subsidy, it's a purchase and ownership. Since 1990, we have partnered with more than 350 families across Southern Alberta, impacting the lives of more than 1000 children.
Single mom, Mildred, with her three children. Mildred will become a Habitat homeowner in the Northeast Calgary community of Livingston!
Myth: Habitat for Humanity homeowners were experiencing homelessness or living on government assistance.
Fact: Habitat offers an opportunity for working families to enter the housing market without the need for a down payment or deposit.
Many families are employed and working hard to provide for their children but face significant struggles, such as high rents, accessibility needs, or being forced to move multiple times each year. Habitat removes the financial barrier of saving up for a down payment and deposit through our affordable homeownership program!
To make sure families are successful in all aspects of owning a home, they must meet a strict set of criteria before applying to our homeownership program.
Want to get involved in building brighter futures through affordable homeownership? Click 'Get Involved' below!
