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What
is Habitat for Humanity Lakeside?
Habitat for Humanity Lakeside was founded in January of 1993
by a small group of people in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, who admired
the Habitat concept as demonstrated by Millard and Linda Fuller of
Americus, Georgia (founders of Habitat for Humanity International).
It is an ecumenical, nondiscriminatory, Christian- based housing
ministry that seeks to provide affordable housing throughout the
country (and the world by means of our affiliation with the International
organization) and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and
action. By having low income and affluent people working together
in equal partnership, Habitat builds new relationships and a sense
of community as well as new housing. Recently, we expanded our geographic
boundary to include Ozaukee County, as a chapter to the already established
Sheboygan County Affiliate. We have revised our name to Habitat for
Humanity Lakeside to reflect this change. back
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How
does it work?
Through
tax-deductible donations of money, materials and volunteer labor,
Habitat builds and renovates homes with the help of the future homeowners.
Houses are sold at no profit to partner families with no-interest
mortgages issued over a fixed period. The cost of homes differs relative
to location, labor, land, and materials. Small monthly mortgage payments,
including taxes and insurance, are repaid over an average of twenty
years and deposited into a revolving “Fund for Humanity” which
supports the construction of more housing by Habitat for Humanity
Lakeside. back
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How
does the partnership with homeowners work?
Habitat
is not a giveaway program, but is a joint venture in which those
who benefit from the housing ministry are involved with the work
at various levels. Each homeowner family is required to invest 500 ”Sweat
Equity” hours in the construction of their home or another Habitat
home. This reduces the cost of the house, increases the pride of
ownership among family members, and fosters the development of positive
relationships with other people. In the event that the family has
physical problems that would make construction work difficult, this
requirement may be made up in other ways- office work, phone calls,
etc. back
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How
are the partner families selected?
To apply to become a Habitat owner, contact the Family Selection
Committee, by e-mail.
Send regular mail to:
Habitat for Humanity Lakeside
131 N. Webster Street
Port Washington, WI, 53074
Or call (262) 284-6880, to request an application form.
The Board of Directors (based on the recommendation of the Family Selection
Committee) selects the homeowners based on their level of need (total
income must be less than 150% of the federal poverty level), the inadequacy
of their present residence, their willingness to become partners in the
program, and their ability to repay the loan. Every project follows a
nondiscriminatory policy. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing
the families to receive Habitat homes. back
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Does
Habitat accept government funds?
Habitat does not accept government funds for construction of
new houses. Utilities, land, or existing houses needing renovation
or the funds for their acquisition may come from government agencies
if there are no stipulations that violate Habitat principles. back
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How
is Habitat Lakeside controlled and managed?
An ecumenical and completely volunteer Board of Directors meets
monthly to determine policy and to monitor and carry out operations
in conjunction with several committees. The committees include Fund
Raising, Public Relations, Family Selection, Family Partnering, Church
Relations, Site Selection and the Building Committee. Board members
reflect a broad base of religious views and come from all areas of
Ozaukee County. back to the top
Are
there any special needs?
Habitat for Humanity Lakeside is always in need of reduced or
donated property for future building projects in all areas of the
county. Another significant challenge for Habitat is the acquisition
of donated warehouse space. Facilities must be at a minimum as large
as a two-car garage and accessible to Habitat at all times. If you
feel you can contribute in one of these areas, please call the Habitat
office, at (262) 284-6880 or e-mail us. back
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How
can I become a volunteer?
Contact our Habitat office, by e-mail,
or phone (262) 284-6880, to request a volunteer form. You
will be called when we are in need of help appropriate to your skills
and interest. You do not need to be an experienced builder to work
on a Habitat house. While we do need some experienced or professional
workers to act as supervisors and teachers, we are happy to have
anyone, regardless of skill or ability, as long as they are ready
to work and ready to learn. There is a job for everyone. back
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Where
should I send my donations?
You may send a tax-deductible contribution local address:
Habitat for Humanity Lakeside
131 N. Webster Street
Port Washington, WI, 53074
You may also make a tax deductible monetary contribution
through Habitat International at the International
Organizations Donation Page. All
money donated will come back to us for our local Habitat use. back
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How
can I get more information about Habitat Lakeside?
To obtain additional information about us e-mail us at habitat@powercom.net or
call our Habitat office, (262) 284-6880. To arrange for a
speaker who will represent Habitat call our office (262) 284-6880. back
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