October 9, 2024

SOUTH BEND ― After almost 20 years of serving the local community, the last remaining Habitat ReStore at 2411 S. Main St. will close on Nov. 1. 

Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County made the announcement on its Facebook page.  

“A big thank you to all of our donors, employees and customers through the years,” the post reads. “This was not an easy decision, but it will allow us to focus our energy on our main mission and what we do best – building homes.” 

The organization, which focuses on providing affordable housing through sweat equity and affordable loans, said it will have sales over the next four weeks to clear its inventory.  

"We invite you to continue shopping the ReStores in Goshen and Plymouth,” the message reads. “Effective immediately, no more donations will be received at the South Bend store, and the store will be closed on Mondays as we wind down operations.” 

Jim Williams, president and CEO of Habitat, said the decision was made to close the retail store because the quality and quantity of donations have been going down while costs of operating the retail location were going up. He said Habitat will do its best to absorb some of the estimated 10 employees or help them find new positions in the community.

"The idea of the stores was to generate funds to build houses ― not take away money from our primary focus," he explained, adding that the money from the sale of such a property can help fund new builds in the community for a decade and beyond.

The organization previously operated a site store at 5225 Grape Road, Mishawaka, that was closed to make room for a possible CarMax.

Mon, August 12, 2024

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego Habitat for Humanity is permanently closing both of its donation-driven home improvement bargain stores, ReStore, later this year, citing high building and finance costs.

San Diego Habitat for Humanity CEO Kwofi Reed said in a statement last month that closing the two stores will help the nonprofit refocus their efforts and resources back to “empowering families by creating more affordable homeownership opportunities across San Diego County.”

"This decision was not made lightly, and it stems from the profound impact of COVID-19 on retail and nonprofit sectors like ours, exacerbated by high building and finance costs in the current market."

“Your continued support is key as we navigate this transition and strive to create lasting, positive change in our community,” the statement continued.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores offer used and unused materials for homeowners making improvements to their properties. All proceeds generated at the stores directly fund the nonprofit’s primary mission of constructing and repairing homes in the county.

The nonprofit previously ran three ReStore locations, Kearny Mesa, National City and Escondido. However, the Escondido location closed at the end of December last year.

When will habitatforhumanity application open? and How can I apply?

So am I correct to understand that you apply for a HUD home giving your monetary information. Then once you qualify for a home and it is built and you move in you can move in whoever you want? Of course that means that's different than the numbers you had on your application but that's fine?

In Canada Ontario here. I have a habitat for humanity home. I pay 0% interest but do not begin to get any equity until the 6th year.

The way that it was explained to us was:

Bought house : $320,000

Sold house 9 years later: $520,000

We do not gain equity until the 6th year and it’s 10% per year- so

6th-10% 7th-20% 8th-30% 9th-40%

This means we would get 40% of the equity of the home since we bought it-so 40% of 200,000 not 40% of the 520,000 that it would be selling for.

We would get that, and all of the money we had put towards the mortgage over the 9 years.

Has anyone left their habitat home? Sold it? Can anyone share if this is actually what happens?!

My experience with Habitat has been awful and they do not truly care to help people to “get ahead”-they have their own organizations best interest at heart.

So my fiancé & I are currently in the program and have been since July (July accepted but April applicants) and we have 3 children. As of yesterday, I found out I’m 3 weeks pregnant. Obviously I won’t be telling anyone until after first trimester and honestly maybe not even during the 2nd 😅 My question is, at what point do I tell my affiliate? After first trimester? ASAP? Will this mess things up for us? I’m just anxious ab the outcome, I’ve had people get mad at me every time I’ve gotten pregnant so it gives me anxiety announcing it 😅 TIA

Honestly I'm terrible at interviews my anxiety gets the best of me and I choke/shakey voice and just brain fog does anyone know what they ask about on the first interview or idea so I can better prepare myself I keep doubting myself and I don't know how to shake it off help!

PRESS RELEASE: U.S. Navy Veteran family to celebrate Central OK Habitat for Humanity’s new home dedication this Thursday

August 25 we received the call we were accepted in to the Homebuyer program and to contact the Family Services Coordinator to have a meeting. The 1 hour meeting consisted of a quick overview of the program and congratulating us. It also told us how the sweat equity would work and the breakdown, such as community hours vs class hours vs construction hours etc.

We were given some paperwork to fill out. It asked us our lot preferences and asked if we had any medical conditions requiring specific things (no carpet, wheelchair accessible etc) and just some get to know you paperwork.

From there, we were emailed that we would have classes beginning in early October and directing us to the sign ups for sweat equity.

So far, we have in close to 40 hours towards our 400 hour total. I was present on a construction site for cleaning day where we took all the cardboard and plastic up and off of everything and wiped it all down, swept, mopped, sucked up debris, wiped down the siding etc

My next volunteer day was spent building the outside frame of the first floor of a home. By 1 in the afternoon the house went from no walls to all 4 exterior walls and the garage walls started. It was incredible! The Senior Crew and construction lead were amazing at not only showing me what to do but explaining in detail WHY we did it that way. I have already learned so much.

Unfortunately, due to some medical issues I had to cancel my next two build days but I'm hopeful I can get back to them in November.

We have had 3 classes so far:

New Family Orientation Willingness to Work Mortgage 1

There was a lot of information in those three sessions, each 2 hours long. We were given an estimate of what our mortgage will be. The other members in our class have their lots picked but as we are in a rural setting they are still working on securing ours and I'm excited to see where that will be! We learned about sponsors and the escrow account. We need to deposit $185 a month for 12 months in to our escrow account before we are allowed to close.

We had to provide a recent family picture and decide if we are ok with them using our image and profile for social media and other promotions.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something and I'm sorry this is so long winded. I just know many people ask about the process so I thought I could give monthly updates on ours!

Coming up yet this month we do have a meeting called Budgeting next Monday. Thursday (tomorrow) we have a PR meeting where we will write up our family bio and why we want a safe affordable house. This Saturday we have a 3 hour class called Good Neighbor Class.

Oh! And, once your lot is assigned you are then responsible for the lawn care and snow removal.

I also have one cookie baker shift next week :)

For reference, we began the application process last March and we are in central WI so ymmv.

I'm a single mom under consideration for this program and we have a home visit soon. Can anyone share what we can expect? This would literally be a life changer, I'm so nervous and want to be prepared. Any advice or shared experiences would be appreciated.

Update:

Just like everyone said, the home visit was simple. It went well. Fingers crossed as we wait to hear back. Thanks again for everyone who shared!

Hello! My partner and I are interested in the Habitat for Humanity program to hopefully get our own home. I'm currently 33 weeks pregnant almost 34, so we're hoping to find something within the next few years 🙏

My question is: if I get accepted into the program and get my own home, do I still qualify for a first time home buyer loan?

I tried searching through Google but couldn't find a straight answer. I'm assuming if it is possible, then it may be different depending on what affiliate I worked with.

Neither my partner nor I have owned a home, so before we learned about Habitat for Humanity our plan was to hopefully get the Fist Time Home Buyer loan, I just don't want that to affect our chances at getting a home through this program if we went this route instead. The money from the First Time Home Buyer loan would be a great help, especially since my partner would be our only source of income once baby is born. (Until I can find something that I can juggle with raising a baby of course)

Any help is appreciated! Thank you, and sorry for rambling 😭

Hello. I was wondering if anyone on here recently or have ever applied for an habitat home? I have a couple questions…

I am a single woman making around $2800 per month & my rent alone is 1k. Zero debt.. I'm hoping even though I dont have children the situation I'm in I might be approved.

Anyone had any experience in Pennsylvania? Or any general advice would be much appreciated!

Hello everyone, I recently got accepted for a home in the East Tennessee area, and I was surprised to hear about something called a variable interest rate? I thought habitat was zero percent interest? Not to mention the price at 220k.

If you have an RV and want to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, you can make Habitat a part of your journey, or even your destination.

RV Care-A-Vanner building projects are done in partnership with local Habitat for Humanity affiliates across North America. These local Habitats benefit from the significant skills, energy and enthusiasm of the RV Care-A-Vanner volunteers, who in just two weeks can substantially accelerate their building program and raise the community’s awareness of Habitat’s work.

With the RV Care-A-Vanners, you can meet and work with families as they create a place they can call home. You’ll have the chance to meet wonderful volunteers who share the vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Every RV-er is welcome; no experience needed. Check out Habitat's volunteer code of conduct (PDF) to see volunteer expectations.

Some RV Care-A-Vanners train to become a part of Habitat's Disaster Rebuild Team to help communities rebuild after a disaster. You can also participate in the Collegiate Challenge program where volunteers mentor college students during their alternative school breaks. Other skilled volunteer opportunities are available as well, including serving on the RV Care-A-Vanner desk staff to help manage the program.

Besides hands-on volunteering, the RV Care-A-Vanners have become Habitat advocates. Many volunteers speak to churches, civic groups and the media about the importance of safe, affordable housing and the results of poor living conditions.

Complete info on how to get involved:

www.habitat.org/rv

I’m so happy!!! They caught me off guard 🥹 during the home visit after chatting and answering their questions they told me I was approved right away and gave me a folder!!! They said they don’t normally do that and they would wait at least a week to let people know. I’m so excited 😄😄😄

I received the call from the man who did our home visit last week Thursday. He let me know that the board had approved us for the homebuyer program.

It would be a lie if I said I didn't spend the next 45 minutes crying.

I am excited, nervous, scared -- all of the things. I know this is just the beginning because once selected it takes 12-18 months to get in to your actual home. I am praying it all works out well and we will be homeowners soon.

Have u seen the prices of this place at brampton location 250 300 for a door! Wtf is wrong with these people

Hello! I submitted my application for ownership in the middle of July and after a week I was told I financially qualify and would be invited to a mandatory orientation. I have that meeting tonight and I’m so nervous! I’m wondering if anybody else has gone through an orientation as well? I received a letter in the mail outlining everything that still needs to be done and they would let me know when I could start and schedule the rest. I’m wondering how many people that make it to orientation are actually approved? I am on the spectrum and it’s really hard not to hyperfixate on this and get my hopes up. Thanks

Extremely excited. I’ve applied here and there for many years and finally everything officially aligned.

I am beyond excited and ready to begin this new journey. Thank you Lord and everyone here for all of the great info. It’s truly appreciated!

Thank you to members of the Oregon Women Lawyers (OWL) (OWLS) for turning out to volunteer at our latest neighborhood revitalization event in North Plains, Oregon on Saturday. This #CSR effort not only helped many vulnerable homeowners have more livable spaces, it also helped build community among OWLS members, some of whom had never met face-to-face.

More about our affiliate: https://www.westtualityhabitat.org/

We have had a busy summer with volunteers helping to clean up neighborhoods and help with minor but critical repairs for vulnerable homeowners in Western Washington County! #Volunteers from Excelitas Technologies Corps turned out recently to help paint a home, part of several repairs undertaken at this site in Forest Grove, Oregon over the course of several days. More about West Tuality Habitat for Humanity here: https://www.westtualityhabitat.org/