Who is Willamette West Habitat for Humanity?
Willamette West Habitat for Humanity is your local Habitat for Humanity International affiliate, a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness around the world. We build homes with low-income people in need, primarily in Washington County and north Clackamas County. The homes are sold to those in need at no profit, using long-term, 0% interest mortgage loans.
What makes Willamette West Habitat different from other housing organizations?
Willamette West Habitat does not build homes for people, but with them in partnership. Homeowners must invest 500 hours of “sweat equity” into the building of their homes, make a down payment, and pre-pay their mortgage insurance and property taxes. The homes are then sold at no profit, through a no-interest loan. Each homeowner’s monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving fund that is used to build more Habitat homes.
What income level qualifies one for a Willamette West Habitat home?
Willamette West Habitat serves low-income individuals and families earning 30% to 50% of median family income (MFI). MFI varies by household size; for a family of four, the 2009 Habitat range is $21,000 - $35,000.
Does Portland’s suburban west side really need an organization like Habitat?
Yes. The decrease in affordable housing in the suburbs of Portland is staggering. The median sale price for residential homes in the Portland metro area for 2005 rose 16.1%. The median sale price was $237,500 compared to $204,500 in 2004.
How much does a Willamette West Habitat home cost?
The purchase price of a home is based on the cost or value of the materials, with nothing added for volunteer labor. Currently our homes cost around $95,000 to build. Willamette West Habitat holds the no-interest mortgage and adjusts the length of the mortgage to keep the monthly payments affordable.
How does Willamette West Habitat operate?
Habitat homes are built with a volunteer labor force and the financial support of individuals, faith organizations, and businesses. Working in partnership with our community, Willamette West Habitat has built 51 simple, decent homes with partner families since 1988.
How are individuals or families selected for home ownership?
Homeowner applicants are selected based the following criteria:
What areas does Willamette West Habitat serve?
Willamette West Habitat serves the west and southwest suburbs of Portland including most of Washington County and portions of Clackamas County west of the Willamette River. Our current project is in Aloha and will take 2 years to complete. We are developing projects for 2011 and 2012 in Beaverton and Hillsboro.