Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How does Habitat for Humanity work?

Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and renovates simple, decent houses with the help of homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit, and are financed with affordable no-interest loans.

The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving Fund for Humanity that is used to build more houses in Sheboygan County. All Habitat affiliates around the world, including Habitat for Humanity Lakeside, are asked by HFHI to tithe – to give 10 percent of their contributions – to fund house-building work in other countries.

Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and the monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor – “sweat equity” – into building their house and the houses of others.

• What does a Habitat house cost a partner family?

Habitat houses are sold to low-income families at no profit, and no interest is charged on the mortgage. Mortgage length varies from 15 to 30 years. House costs are kept low by using locally contributed materials and volunteer labor. A typical Habitat home in Sheboygan County costs $55,000. Additionally, partner families are required to invest up to 500 hours of “sweat equity” into the construction of their home or another Habitat home.

• How are partner families selected?

Families in need of decent shelter apply to Habitat for Humanity Lakeside during open enrollment periods. The family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the no-interest loan. Habitat for Humanity Lakeside follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection and neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing homeowner families. Visit our "Apply for a Home" page for more information on applying for a home.

• Does Habitat accept government funds?

Habitat does not accept government funds for the construction of new houses or for the renovation or repair of existing houses. Habitat does accept government funds for streets, utilities, capacity building or training, so long as the funds have no conditions that would violate Habitat’s principles or limit its ability to proclaim its Christian witness.

• How is Habitat for Humanity Lakeside controlled and managed?

A volunteer, ecumenical Board of Directors governs Habitat for Humanity Lakeside. Visit our "Board of Directors" page for more information about our Board of Directors.

• How can I help Habitat for Humanity Lakeside?

Get involved! Pray for the work of Habitat for Humanity Lakeside. Contribute financially, offer your leadership or expertise to our Board of Directors or operating committees and participate in Habitat fundraising events. We need people to help build, to serve on committees and to spread the word about Habitat.

• How can I become a volunteer?

Visit our "Volunteer" page to learn about volunteer opportunities with Habitat for Humanity Lakeside.

• Where should I send a donation?

Visit our "Donate by Mail" page to learn more information about donating to Habitat for Humanity Lakeside or our Habitat Restore.

• How can I receive more information about Habitat for Humanity Lakeside?

Visit our "Contact" page to obtain additional information about Habitat for Humanity Lakeside or arrange for a speaker for your next group meeting or event.