Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Habitat for Humanity?

Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 in the United States. Habitat for Humanity in a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry seeking to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness worldwide and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people from a broad spectrum of social, ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds to work in partnership to build homes and hope with families in need.

2. How Does Habitat Work?

Through volunteer labour, efficient management and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat houses are built and sold to partner families at no profit, and financed with affordable, no-interest mortgages, geared to the families' financial circumstance. Habitat for Humanity is not a give-away program. In addition to the mortgage payments, each homeowner contributes 500 hours of unpaid labour into the building of their house and other houses. This is called "Sweat Equity". Sweat equity increases pride of ownership and reduces Habitat's costs.

3. Funding Habitat Projects

The typical cost of a Habitat home in Sarnia/Lambton is about $90,000. This includes the cost of a building lot, services and construction. The funds to complete our building projects come from a number of sources. Mortgage income from our existing homes, all profits from the ReStore operation, donations, income from fundraising events and financial support from major sponsors all go toward the construction of Habitat homes in our community. In addition, donations of materials and services are used to minimize the direct cost of construction.

4. How Does Habitat Relate to Government?

WE DO NOT SOLICIT GOVERNMENT FUNDS. However, Habitat does encourage participation with all levels of government to partner in the provision of land, or existing houses for rehabilitation as long as the principals of habitat for Humanity remain intact.

5. Community Partnerships

Habitat fulfills its mission by forming partnerships with individuals, churches, corporations, local businesses and service organizations from across Sarnia-Lambton.

6. How Does a Habitat Project Get Started?

First, through finding a partner family, obtaining a suitable building lot, land, finding a major sponsor for the build, designing a home for the partner family, obtaining donated building materials and services, recruiting volunteers and finally building the home.

7. What Can I Do to Help?

Get involved! Support the work of Habitat. Send a donation (tax receipts provided) to Habitat for Humanity - Sarnia/ Lambton. and/or participate in a fund-raising event. We also need volunteers to help during builds, to work in the ReStore, to serve on committees or the Board, and to spread the word about Habitat for Humanity - Sarnia/Lambton. Call 519-336-7075 for more information or send us an email at habitatsarnia@xcelco.on.ca