MORE THAN HOUSES...

Habitat for Humanity builds neighborhoods, communities and lives!

Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, is a nondenominational Christian housing ministry founded in 1989 to help eliminate substandard housing in Rutherford County.  Using volunteer labor, in-kind donations, discounted materials and tax-deductible donations, Habitat works in partnership with people in need to build simple decent homes sold at no profit and no interest.

Families are selected by a committee of volunteers based on their level of need; willingness to become partners in the Habitat program; and their ability to make a small down-payment, pay a mortgage, and sustain long-term homeownership responsibilities. Homeowner mortgage payments are recycled through a "Fund for Humanity" used to help cover costs of future homes.

Habitat is not a give-away program. In addition to supporting the program through mortgage payments, Habitat families are required to invest 400 "sweat equity" hours by helping with construction to serve as a portion of their down payment.  A hand-up, not a handout, Habitat instills a sense of self esteem in its families through the joy of homeownership that promotes success in other aspects of their lives.

The pride of Habitat homeowners is contagious.  The "home improvement" bug often bites neighbors when a new Habitat homeowner moves in. Habitat homes improve neighborhood property values and overall neighborhood appearance.

Habitat worksites are places to build relationships as well as houses. This self-help solution to the problem of substandard housing brings together families in need and Habitat volunteers and supporters who are committed to making a difference in their community.