St. Matthew Habitat for Humanity Ministry

Prologue:

    This is the second in a series of short articles that will appear in the Sunday bulletin over the next several weeks. These articles are designed to help our parishioners understand what Habitat for Humanity is all about, provide up-to-date facts, and guide our parishioners in supporting the project.

Chapter Two:  No Freebies!!

    Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian nonprofit housing organization, working in partnership with God’s people in need, to build simple, decent, affordable, energy efficient homes without profit or interest, thereby witnessing God’s love in action. NO, Habitat is NOT a charity or “hand-out” program but instead effectively empowers families, lifting them out of the hopelessness of poverty and substandard, unsafe housing. Each Habitat homeowner in San Antonio contributes at least 300 hours of “sweat equity” to build their own home and those of their neighbors. Habitat Homes are sold to the homeowners at NO PROFIT.

    Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio serves low to very low-income families whose total income is generally 25% - 60% of the area median income. For most families, that means an annual income of about $17,000 - $19,000. Families are accepted into the Habitat program based on their need, ability to pay a 0% interest mortgage, and their willingness to partner. Applicants must be a Bexar County resident and once accepted into the program, homeowners are eligible to BUY a house at NO profit. They will PURCHASE the house with a 20 – 25 year 0% interest mortgage and a down payment of about $1250.

   Homeowners pay an affordable monthly mortgage payment of approximately $375 - $425 with zero percent interest, which includes insurance and taxes. The principal of the mortgage payments help to fund the building of more Habitat houses. In the 31 year history of Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio, the foreclosure rate has been less than 1.5%.

    The most important step in sponsoring any Habitat house is prayer. The bible verse that will guide our ministry again this year is from James 2:18 “I will show you my faith by what I do.” Please pray for the success of our St. Matthew 2008 Habitat for Humanity Ministry. For more information, contact Susan McClure at 341-9623. God bless.  (To Be Continued Next Week)  [Top]