Making dreams into reality is nothing new for Flagler Habitat for Humanity. They have made the American Dream of owning a home come true for 124 families in Flagler County since 1992. Beginning April 3, 2023, they are opening a new application cycle giving even more Flagler families an opportunity for home ownership.
The new application cycle begins April 3 and will remain open until May 1, 2023. Applicants may begin the process by completing a pre-screening form at www.flaglerhabitat.com.
Habitat for Humanity’s mission is that “every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. We build and repair houses all over the world using volunteer labor and donations. Our partner families purchase these houses through no-profit, no-interest mortgage loans or innovative financing methods,” according to their website.
The charity is able to achieve this mission through volunteer labor and monetary donations. The homes are built with the help of the homeowners-to-be and other volunteers. Once built, they are sold to families with a no-interest mortgage. In turn, the mortgage payments are then used to help build houses for other needy families.
To be considered for the program, participants must meet three criteria: need, ability to pay and sweat equity. All applicants must be residents of Flagler County and demonstrate a housing need. They must also meet the financial criteria and prove their ability to pay the monthly mortgage payments. The sweat equity requirement can be met by volunteering for the program.
Once selected, participants are able to become partner families. As a partner family, they will help in the construction of their own home as well as in the construction of homes for others. Participants are required to complete 250 hours of volunteer work which can include homeowner courses, construction help, painting, clearing lots, office work or other tasks.
Beyond helping local residents become homeowners, Flagler Habitat for Humanity also supports the children of partner families through their Prep Club. The Prep Club, which was formed in 2018, is a program that rewards children of partner families for good grades. Students receive awards each quarter for As and Bs in core classes. Students are also able to earn bonuses for perfect attendance or increasing their letter grades. The program provides scholarship opportunities for graduating seniors.
Flagler Habitat for Humanity is governed by a volunteer board of directors composed of local community members.
