Habitat for Humanity of South Central Minnesota - Mankato Chapter

What are the monthly payments?

• Approximately $450-$550 per month

 What is included in the monthly payments?

• The monthly homeowner payments include the basic house payment as well as the property taxes and homeowner insurance, the homeowner insurance is sought out by the homeowner with appropriate arrangements made so that Habitat can make the actual payments from the homeowner account.

• Sweat equity hours are basically volunteer hours, they include work on the family’s house, other family houses, homeowner classes, money management classes, HFH office work, working at HFH events, providing meals or lunches for work crews, attending Building Committee meetings and meetings with Family Partners.

• Each adult member of the family is required to provide a minimum of 200 sweat equity hours. (A minimum of 50 or a maximum of 75 of those hours must be worked on another homeowner’s house.)
• Family, extended family, friends and HFH Family Partners whom the homeowners recruit to help build their home may contribute up to 100 hours maximum toward the total requirement of sweat equity hours. (Work groups arranged by HFH are not considered eligible to provide sweat-equity hours.)
• Thus a single adult family must provide a total of 300 sweat-equity hours; a multiple adult family must provide a total of 500 sweat equity hours.

Floor plans
Habitat for Humanity of South Central Minnesota works with local architects in designing the house to look similarly to those within the community it is built. 

The location of the house is dependant on the availability of affordable properties.  The homeowners will be designated a lot with a direct correlation of homeowner acceptance and lot availability. 

Use of Materials in Warehouse

The philosophy of Habitat for Humanity International is to build decent, affordable homes. To adhere to this philosophy, HFH of South Central Minnesota relies on in kind donations and quantity discount purchases of materials.  To make use of quantity purchases it is necessary to require that homeowners utilize supplies and materials made available by HFH of South Central Minnesota prior to purchasing any items from outside sources.  Supplies and materials such a light fixtures, floor covering, siding, doors, windows (to only name a few) MUST BE OBTAINED FROM WHAT IS AVAILABLE IN THE WAREHOUSE. 

Donations of HFH or Homeowners

Donations made toward he construction of a house prior to dedication are considered DONATIONS made to HFH.  The costs of all in kind donations are added to the total cost the homeowner must pay for the hose.  Gifts and donations or additions made to the house following the dedication are DONATIONS MADE TO THE FAMILY and are not accounted for in the cost of the house.  The distinction here is prior to and following the dedication of the home.

• Efficient use of Space               

• Structural integrity and safety                 

• Energy Efficiency

• Security                                   

• Low Cost                                 

• Easy and low-cost Maintenance

     *All work will comply with all governing codes and authorities.

• Dishwasher

• Special doors or trim work, or flooring

• Special cabinets

• Detached storage buildings

• Garage or carport

• Fences

• Deck

• Freezer

• Concrete patio

• Finished basement except the required bedrooms as approved

• Additional phone, cable, or electrical outlets

What if the homeowner decides to move in the future?
Habitat for Humanity of South Central Minnesota always gets the first chance to consider buying the house from the homeowner.  If Habitat does decide to purchase the house there is a policy in place that safeguards both the homeowner as well as Habitat from any possible negative actions.  If Habitat for Humanity of South Central Minnesota does not wish to purchase the house it is the responsibility of the homeowner to handle the sale of their home.