Lake County, Illinois, Habitat for Humanity/

Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization started in 1976 to build simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with those who lack adequate shelter. Since 1976, Habitat has built more than 200,000 houses worldwide, providing shelter for about 1,000,000 people. Now at work in 100 countries, we build a Habitat Home every 26 minutes. Habitat for Humanity Lake County (HFHLC) is an affiliate of Habitat International. As an affiliate, HFHLC is an independent 501 (c) (3) organization governed by a local Board of Directors. The board reflects leadership and ethnic diversity unique to Lake County. The Lake County affiliate was established in 1989 with the sole purpose of providing affordable homes that lower income families can own. We have built over one hundred homes providing permanent housing for over 450 people. Habitat for Humanity Lake County works in partnership with families, volunteers and community at large to carry out its mission of eliminating poverty housing. Habitat houses are purchased by the homeowner families. These four factors make the houses affordable to low-income people: • Houses are sold at no profit, with no interest charged on the mortgage • Homeowners and volunteers build the houses under trained supervision • Individuals, Corporations, Faith Groups and others provide financial support • Land acquisition and development are partially funded through federal, state, county, and local sources Homeowner families are chosen according to their need, their ability to repay the no-profit, no-interest mortgage, their partnership to contribute 500 hours of sweat equity working on the construction of their home and their willingness to work in partnership with HFHLC. Further, because homeownership means new responsibilities, partner families receive ongoing training and support in budgeting and home and yard maintenance. HFHLC does not discriminate according to race, religion, or ethnic group and is an Equal Opportunity Organization.