A GIFT TO HABITAT IS ONE THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

Habitat was incorporated in Gaston County in December, 1988. Since that time, 74 houses have been built in the county. A Habitat Resale Store, located at 608 E. Second Ave., was started in November, 1999 as a fundraiser for the building program, It sells donated new and used furniture, appliances, household goods and construction materials to the public at affordable prices.

A typical Habitat home is 1,100 square feet with three bedrooms and 2 baths. Donated materials and volunteer labor keep the costs low. The sale price of each house averages $65,000-$70,000. Homeowner mortgage payments, taxes, and insurance average $350-$450 per month. "Sweat equity" is a very important part of any Habitat project; each family must spend at least 75 hours working on other Habitat homes or projects and 250 hours building their own home.

Family selection is based on need, financial ability to repay the mortgage, and willingness to become a partner with Habitat. The families must have sufficient income to meet monthly payments, and they must participate in financial counseling.

Habitat offers the opportunity to churches, businesses, organizations and individuals to partner with Habitat in funding and building homes, and provides a concrete way to put faith in action in our community.