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.
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.
We know it doesn’t have to be that way, and that’s why we help families buy their first home by removing the down payment and customizing their mortgage payments to never be more than 30% of their income.
With that kind of financial stability, kids can put down roots and parents can start planning for the future.
Myth: Habitat for Humanity homes reduce neighbourhood property values.
Fact: Housing studies show that affordable housing has no adverse effect on neighbourhood property values!
Habitat for Humanity houses have been proven to increase property values. What’s more, Habitat for Humanity homes in Southern Alberta generate about half a million dollars annually in property taxes.
Myth: Affordable housing looks “cheap and undesirable”.
Fact: Habitat homes are professionally designed and meet the specifications of each community they’re built in.
We work with top-tier contractors and tradespeople for the regulated work – like electrical and plumbing – and volunteers to help with everything else: framing, dry-walling, painting, landscaping, and all the other fun stuff!
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.
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.
