Habitat for Humanity

Our Vision: A world where everyone has a safe, decent, and affordable place to live.

frequently asked questions

Q: What is Habitat for Humanity?

A: Habitat for Humanity is an inclusive, non-profit, non-government organization seeking to create a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Habitat builds simple, affordable houses and sells them to families in need of adequate shelter. Through volunteer labour and donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity works with partner families to build or renovate simple, decent housing. Houses are sold to Partner Families at fair market value with no downpayment and are financed with affordable, no-interest mortgages. Homeowner families invest 500 hours of their own labour into building their own house and the houses of other families or other Habitat projects (ReStore).

Q: How can I get my donation to the ReStore?

A: The ReStore accepts donations during normal business hours. For larger donations, or if delivery to the store is not possible, the ReStore Van will come to you. Call 709-753-2721.

Q: What kind of donations can be made to the ReStore?

A: The ReStore accepts donations form individuals, corporations, contractors, and others. Individuals can donate household goods and furniture that are in functional order. Building supply stores, distributors, manufacturers and corporate sponsors donate new, discontinued, overstock, and other items for resale. Contractors donate salvaged building materials (cabinets, windows, doors, etc.) for resale. For a complete list view Acceptable Donation List.

Q: How do the mortgages work and what do you do with the mortgage payments?

A: Habitat partner families make regular mortgage payments for their homes. Habitat does not charge interest on its mortgages, nor do they profit from them. The mortgage payments go into a revolving Fund for Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador and are reused to build more Habitat homes. Should a family wish to move, Habitat NL has first right of refusal to buy the home back.

Q: Who manages Habitat NL?

A: A volunteer Board of Directors is responsible for governance, policy and oversight. Habitat NL’s daily operations are led by an Executive Director, supported by a small staff, and assisted by a core group of volunteers.

Q: How is Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador funded?

A: Habitat NL receives support from and works in partnership with Provincial and Municipal Governments, faith groups, corporations, foundations, individual donors, and the revenue generated from the ReStore.

Q: What criteria are used when selecting a family for family partnership?

A: Families apply to Habitat affiliates through an application process. The Family Selection Committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners with Habitat, and their ability to repay the loan. Every affiliate follows a non-discriminatory policy for family selection.

Need for affordable housing is defined by a family income that is within the recognized government-set low income guidelines for their particular region, and existing living conditions that are inadequate in terms of structure, cost, safety or size. The ratio of shelter expense to total income is also factored.   Ability to repay a Habitat mortgage requires that the family have a stable income sufficient to cover the monthly mortgage payments and other expenses that come with home ownership.   Homeowners must demonstrate a willingness to partner with Habitat by contributing a minimum of 500 hours of volunteer labour.