Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Greater Indy Habitat? Check out our FAQs below or email us to request more information!
- Does Habitat for Humanity give homes away?
Habitat for Humanity offers homeownership opportunities to low-income individuals and families who are unable to obtain conventional home financing. However, this is a loan to the homeowners not a free gift. Thanks to donations of land, material, labor, resources and volunteers, the cost of building the home is kept low so the mortgage that they are asked to pay is also low. Generally, this includes those whose income is 30 to 80 percent of the area’s median income. Habitat homeowners contribute 200 hours of “sweat equity” by completing an educational program, and volunteering in the construction of their home and other Habitat homes.
- Will having a Habitat home in a neighborhood reduce property values?
Housing studies show affordable housing has no adverse effect on neighborhood property values. In fact, the 30-Year-Impact-Study done on the Greater Indy Habitat homeownership program shows that a home increases property value of surrounding homes.
- Do only ethnic minorities receive Habitat for Humanity homes
Habitat builds homes in partnership with those in need regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, familial status, disability, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, source of income or other characteristics protected by law. The prospective homeowners must meet three criteria: need, ability to repay the mortgage and a willingness to partner with Habitat.
- Do you have to be Christian to become a Habitat homeowner?
Habitat homeowners are chosen without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, familial status, disability, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, source of income or other characteristics in keeping with U.S. law and with Habitat’s abiding belief that God’s love extends to everyone. Habitat also welcomes volunteers from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace Habitat’s goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world.
- Did former U.S. President Jimmy Carter found Habitat for Humanity?
The late Millard Fuller and his wife Linda started Habitat in 1976 in Americus, GA. President Carter and his wife Rosalynn (whose home is eight miles from Americus, in Plains, GA), have been long-time Habitat supporters and volunteers who help bring national attention to the organization’s home-building work. Each year they lead the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project to help build homes and raise awareness of the need for affordable housing.
- How can I get more information?
Learn more about supporting our work, volunteering, sponsoring a home, becoming a homeowner, or the Habitat ReStore. With further questions, please email (info@indyhabitat.org) or call 317.921.2121.