BLOUNT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RELATED LINKS

Frequently Asked Questions • Quick Facts • Local Nonprofit Housing and Education Partners • Habitat for Humanity International • Employment & Internship • Privacy Policy

We are pledged to the letter & spirit of U.S. policy for achievement of equal housing opportunity. We encourgage & support an affirmative advertising & marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing regarding race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, marital status, income from public assistance, handicap, or because a right was exercised under the Consumer Credit Protection Act.

Non-proselytizing Policy: Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations will not proselytize. Nor will HFH work with entities or individuals who insist on proselytizing as part of their work with Habitat for Humanity. This means that Habitat for Humanity will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must adhere to or convert to a particular faith or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does Habitat for Humanity give houses away?

How does Habitat homeownership work?

Where does the money to build a home come from?

What is sweat equity?

Why is Habitat needed?

Where does Habitat for Humanity build houses?

How long is the waiting list for prospective homebuyers?

How many people must be in a family to qualify for a home?

Do homebuilders have to have a savings account?

Do homebuilders have to have perfect credit?

Do homebuilders or volunteers need to be members of a church?

I know someone who I think will qualify for a home. What can I do?

Are Habitat homebuilders on welfare?

Do Habitat houses lower neighborhood property values?

Do Habitat homebuilders sell their houses and make a large profit because of the original low cost?

Does Blount County Habitat for Humanity donate any money to Habitat International?

Does Habitat for Humanity give houses away?

Houses are not given to anyone. Habitat for Humanity builds houses with qualified participants and then sells the houses to those qualified participants. Mortgage payments are kept affordable for those unable to obtain conventional financing for a home through low down payments, no-profit/low-interest loans, and volunteer manpower. Habitat homebuilders typically have incomes that are 25-80 percent of the median area income. Homebuilder’s are required to invest 200-400 hours of “sweat equity”—time spent building their own house or other Habitat houses, or attending homeownership and financial education classes. Habitat applicants must meet specific criteria. In our 31 years in Blount County, we have built 170 new homes and made critical repairs or handicap modifications to an additional 900+ homes.

How does Habitat homeownership work?

Habitat builds simple, decent homes through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, with the help homebuyers in our program. Habitat homes are sold at no profit, and financed with affordable low-interest loans.

Where does the money to build a home come from?

Individuals and organizations donate money that is used to purchase land and materials. Habitat is not a government agency. We depend on your contributions to pay the bills.

What is sweat equity?

Homebuyers invest hundreds of hours of their own labor (“sweat equity”) into building their own home and the homes of others in the program. Sweat equity helps reduce the cost of the home, increases the personal stake of the individual or family members in their home, and fosters the development of partnerships with other people in the community.

Why is Habitat needed?

There are three main reasons for the affordable housing crisis in America:

The rise in home construction costs,
The decrease in real wages,
And the loss of millions of affordable apartments during the past 20 years.
(The Low Income Housing Information Service, March 1995)

The causes of substandard housing and homelessness are many. In the United States, the wages of low-income families have not kept pace with rising rent and mortgage requirements, while at the same time many low-cost housing units have either been abandoned or demolished, or have been converted into higher-cost units

Where does Habitat for Humanity build houses?

Habitat through local affiliates is at work in large and small cities, in suburbs and rural areas, in highly developed countries and in those with emerging economies.

How long is the waiting list for prospective homebuyers?

Upon acceptance into the Homebuilder Program, the period before closing on the home and occupancy is 6-18 months. Prospective homebuyers are required to complete “sweat equity” including homebuyer education before construction can begin.

How many people must be in a family to qualify for a home?

There is no minimum or maximum. Participants are selected based on need, their ability to pay mortgage payments, and their willingness to partner with us by completing “sweat equity.”

Do homeowners have to have a savings account?

No. Checking accounts and custodial accounts for your children can be used to satisfy the savings requirement. In addition, 401k or other retirement accounts are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. However, it is recommended that you open a savings account if you do not have one already.

Do homebuiders have to have perfect credit?

We do not look for perfect credit. As long as your financial history shows consistency in paying bills on time, the application will be considered. Bankruptcies, garnishments, or repossessions from four or more years ago will not automatically keep your application from being approved.

Do homebuyers or volunteers need to be members of a church?

No, we do not accept or decline applications based on church membership or religious affiliation. Habitat for Humanity was founded as, and remains, a Christian ministry. However, homeowners are chosen without regard to creed, both in keeping with the requirements of the law and Habitat’s belief that God’s love extends to all, regardless of race, gender, creed or nationality. Habitat also welcomes volunteers from all faiths or no faith who can actively embrace Habitat’s goal of eliminating substandard housing from the world.

I know someone who I think will qualify for a home. What can I do?

They can call the office and ask any questions they may have. Applications can also be downloaded from this website and brought by our office. We offer application assistance by appointment, for help completing the application process.

Are Habitat Homebuilders on Welfare?

While some Habitat homebuilders may receive public assistance, almost all have full-time jobs and are hard working. Habitat for Humanity works in good faith with people who are often at risk in society, knowing that owning a home is not the answer to every problem but can be an important first step toward breaking out of the cycle of poverty.

Do Habitat houses lower neighborhood property values?

Many studies of low-cost housing show that affordable housing has no adverse effect on other neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat for Humanity has seen its approach to affordable housing improve neighborhoods and communities by strengthening community spirit, increasing the tax base, and creating conscientious citizens through the cooperative efforts involved in Habitat construction.

Do Habitat homebuilders sell their houses and make a large profit because of the original low cost?

Habitat founder Millard Fuller addresses this issue in his book, A Simple, Decent Place to Live: The Building Realization of Habitat for Humanity (Word Publishing, 1995):

“In the two decades of Habitat for Humanity… we have had no history of people selling their houses. Why? Because it’s so hard for these families to get the houses in the first place. It’s like an impossible dream come true. The fact that they can make a profit is not even an issue because they realize that if they sell it, they won’t have a house anymore. And they wouldn’t be able to make payments the way the world would demand on a new one, since the bank or someone else attempting to make a big profit would now be the lender.”

Special second mortgages that are “paid off” by living in the house, as well as first buy-back option clauses that many affiliates put into their agreement with homebuilders, also help alleviate concerns that some people may have in this area.

Does Blount County Habitat for Humanity donate any money to Habitat International?

Blount County Habitat for Humanity, as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, tithes 10% of its unrestricted individual cash donations to Habitat International. Habitat International uses this money to support its operations and foreign mission work. Blount County Habitat for Humanity chooses which country our tithe goes to, and currently we’re supporting the building of homes in Uganda.

BLOUNT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY QUICK FACTS

More than 16,000 individuals in Blount County live in poverty, 5,328 of whom are children or elderly.
Over 20% of local households are cost-burdened meaning 30% or more of their income is dedicated to housing costs. Cost-burdened households struggle to afford other basic needs.
Work alone does not ensure a decent standard of living. Even working two jobs, many families cannot afford necessities.
Our homebuyers work in our healthcare facilities, call centers, retail businesses, schools, banks, restaurants, and manufacturing facilities. You likely interact with our owners/buyers in our community on a daily basis.
Studies have shown that in an adequate, safe, and stable home, children perform better in school, have fewer social problems, and are more likely to advance to higher education.
Adequate shelter affects physical health, emotional well-being, cognitive development, and resiliency.
We partner with families that earn below 60% of the area median income. For a family of 4 this is roughly $38,300 per year.
We make homeownership and home repairs possible for families who do not qualify for traditional financing options.
Program selection criteria include ability to pay an affordable mortgage, need for housing, and willingness to partner.
Buyers must complete a rigorous homebuyer education program that includes goal setting, financial training, and problem solving.

Next, they volunteer in our community and assist other families in the program construct their homes.
Finally, buyers help build their own homes alongside volunteers contributing 200-400 hours of “sweat equity” over the course of 18 months.
Habitat for Humanity is not a giveaway program or handout. Homeowners pay an affordable mortgage.
In our 25 years in Blount County, we have built 153 new homes, and made critical repairs or handicap modifications to an additional 600+ homes.
Neighborhoods once abandoned and crime ridden are transforming into safe, thriving communities.
Blount County Habitat homeowners have contributed over $223,500 annually back to the community though property taxes.
Blount County Habitat for Humanity receives no financial support from Habitat for Humanity International.
All funding comes locally from community sponsors, fundraising events, in-kind donations, grants, and proceeds from our ReStore.
We need YOUR donation of time, talent, and treasure to make decent, affordable housing achievable for every family in Blount County.

LOCAL NONPROFIT HOUSING AND EDUCATION PARTNERS

The Foothills Community Development Corporation (FCDC) was created in 2002 through BCHFH’s leadership to create more affordable opportunities for low-income families. Although now a separate nonprofit, the Foothills Community Development Corporation remains a vital partner with BCHFH through our shared mission and collaborations.
In recent years BCHFH has partnered with United Way of Blount County to help broaden its impact in the community by opening BCHFH’s budgeting classes to the community and helping with housing repair projects as a member of the Blount County Housing Repair Collaborative.
In addition to United Way of Blount County and Foothill Community Development Corporation, BCHFH partners with Federation of Appalachia Housing Enterprise (FAHE), Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati(FHLB), and Blount Partnership.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INTERNATIONAL

Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. Founded in Americus, Georgia, USA, in 1976, Habitat for Humanity today operates around the globe and has helped build, renovate and repair more than 600,000 decent, affordable houses sheltering more than 3 million people worldwide. To learn more about Habitat International, visit their website.

BLOUNT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY EMPLOYMENT & INTERNSHIP

Employment:
Thank you for your interest in Blount County Habitat for Humanity. When we have open positions, they will be listed under the Employment Tab of this website.

Internship:
BCHFH is looking to partner with students from local colleges and universities through an internship! We have openings in the following areas:

Customer Service
Marketing/Writing
Volunteer Recruitment
Programs Assistant

If you have skills and want to grow your abilities in any area mentioned, fill out the form below and we will be in contact! Spots are limited and we cannot guarantee acceptance into our intern program. This is an unpaid internship position.

Disclosure:
*EEO: BCHFH will provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, political belief or activity, or status as a veteran.

*This policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, transfer, termination, layoff, compensation benefits, social and recreational programs, and all other conditions and privileges of employment in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

*Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.

Blount County Habitat for Humanity Office

1017 Hampshire Drive
Maryville, TN 37801

Main Phone Line: (865) 982-8717
Fax: (865) 982-3895

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

Blount County Habitat for Humanity ReStore

548 Foothills Plaza Drive
Maryville, TN 37801

Ph: (865) 379-9299
Fax: (865) 379-0644
Email: [email protected]

Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00am-6:00pm, Saturday 10:00pm-5:00pm, Closed Sunday

PRIVACY POLICY

Thank you for visiting the official Website of Blount County Habitat for Humanity (BCHFH). We respect the privacy of our donors and Website visitors and we are committed to protecting your information. For additional information about this site or about Habitat for Humanity, you may contact us at:

Blount County Habitat for Humanity Office
1017 Hampshire Drive
Maryville, TN 37801

Main Phone Line: (865) 982-8717
Fax: (865) 982-3895
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm

Purpose

This Website is an informational electronic publication by Blount County Habitat for Humanity. Its purpose is to share information about our work and invite online visitors to be part of those efforts. BCHFH is committed to providing affordable housing opportunities and housing repair services to Blount County in our effort to achieve our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. BCHFH is committed to assisting families in need with the life-changing opportunity of buying decent, affordable housing using a team of enthusiastic volunteers and staff guided by Christian values. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, publicly supported organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Legal Notice

This website was developed and is maintained by Blount County Habitat for Humanity, Maryville, TN.

“Habitat for Humanity” is a registered service mark owned by Habitat for Humanity International and may not be used without permission.

Reprint Information

Permission generally is granted to reprint articles from this Website for educational, noncommercial purposes. Requirements for reprinting are as follows:

Writer’s byline, if applicable

Upon print publication of material from this site, for our records we require that a copy be sent to: Blount County Habitat for Humanity, 1017 Hampshire Drive, Maryville, TN 37801

Privacy Policy

Blount County Habitat for Humanity respects the privacy of our donors and Website visitors. In order to fulfill its mission, Blount County Habitat for Humanity maintains databases that are compiled exclusively of information knowingly and voluntarily provided to BCHFH by our donors and Website visitors. Blount County Habitat for Humanity respects the privacy of all donors and Website visitors. BCHFH does not disclose, give, sell, or transfer any personal information about our donors and Web site visitors unless required for law enforcement or otherwise required by law.

Website users are justly concerned about what information is being collected, and how it is being used.

Privacy & Security for Donors

Blount County Habitat for Humanity respects and protects your privacy and will never sell, trade or rent your personal information to other individuals or companies. The information that you provide is used only to complete your donation. With your permission, your name and contact information could be published in Blount County Habitat for Humanity’s Annual Report. If you do not wish share your name and contact information with the charity or charities you supported through BCHFH or you choose to make your donation anonymously, Blount County Habitat for Humanity will not share your name or contact information. Blount County Habitat for Humanity provides a field to include an optional dedication with the donation. BCHFH reserves the right in its sole discretion to remove text from this field before it is provided to the designated charity, for example, if BCHFH deems it inappropriate, offensive or misrepresentative.

Please note, Blount County Habitat for Humanity receives Memorial and Special Occasion donations both on-line and through the mail. Blount County Habitat for Humanity may list the name, city and state of the donor and the occasion in a print Newsletter, unless the donor requests otherwise. This is a well-established policy adopted by most charitable organizations. However, donor amounts and specific addresses are never disclosed. Donors who want the amount of their donation publicly disclosed may request the same from Blount County Habitat for Humanity.

We must disclose pertinent credit card information to appropriate banking institutions for those persons using credit cards to make donations to Blount County Habitat for Humanity. Though the provider has represented to us that it uses industry standard security protocols to restrict physical as well as electronic access to your credit card information, we do not guarantee the security of your information when processed by the third party provider. We are not responsible for the privacy practices employed by our third party provider. You are encouraged to review the privacy policy of our third party provider prior to submitting your credit card information.

ReStore and Event Privacy

We treat all information we receive from you as confidential. Access to your personal information is limited to employees, associates, sales partners, representatives or others who would need such information to fulfill your request, to provide services or Blount County Habitat for Humanity or to enable you to register into a Blount County Habitat for Humanity event. (For example, we will share your credit card or check information with the financial institution that processes your payment.) Outside of such purposes, BCHFH does not sell, rent, exchange or give away any contact information from its customers or subscribers.

If you subscribe to the Blount County Habitat for Humanity email list, we will notify you via e-mail of upcoming BCHFH events, as well as send you other updates. You may opt out of these emails at any time by requesting to opt out with our office via mail, email, or phone call.

Complying With the Legal System

Though Blount County Habitat for Humanity makes every effort to preserve donor and customer privacy, we may need to disclose personal information when we have a good-faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with a current judicial proceeding, a court order or legal process served on our organization.

The Security of Your Information

We strive to protect the privacy of the information that you share with us. Unfortunately, no data transmission over the Internet can be guaranteed to be 100 percent secure. As a result, although we strive to protect your information, we cannot ensure or warrant the security of the information that you submit to us via the Site and you do so at your own risk.

Removing Your Name from Our Mailing List

Your privacy is very important to us. We rely on the good will and generosity of our supporters and want to make every effort to ensure your experience with Blount County Habitat for Humanity is positive. We want to keep you abreast of BCHFH activities, but do not want to send unwanted communications. Please contact us at [email protected] or 865-982-8717 if you wish to be removed from our mailing list. Email communications received from us also provide a mechanism to have your address removed from our contact list. You may limit your ability to receive some or all of the services generally offered to users of the Site by choosing to be removed from our mailing list.

Access to Your Information

Upon request, we will take reasonable efforts to provide you with access to your information to review it for accuracy and make any modifications that you deem appropriate. You may contact us at [email protected] or 865-982-8717 to request that we amend or delete your information.

Changes to the Policy

Blount County Habitat for Humanity periodically reviews and updates this privacy policy. If we decide to change our privacy policy, we will post those changes to our website so our donors and customers are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances, if any, we disclose it.

Site Visitorship Data

Blount County Habitat for Humanity routinely gathers data on Website activity, such as how many people visit our Website, the pages they visit and where they come from.

Site visitorship data is collected on an aggregate, anonymous basis, which means no personal information is associated with this data.

Please be aware that our Website contains links to other Web sites and that the privacy practices of these other Websites may differ from those of Blount County Habitat for Humanity. Each Website is responsible for its own privacy practices.

If Blount County Habitat for Humanity decides to change our Privacy Policy, we will post the changes on our website immediately, at www.blounthabitat.org. If we decide to alter this Privacy Policy Statement, we will show the date of change using the “Last Updated” statement below.

Last Updated: April 24, 2018