Founded

Our first meeting of people interested in Habitat for Humanity was held in June of 1992. Official affiliation with Habitat International was completed in April of 1993. We became a 502(3)(c) nonprofit corporation as Grants Pass Area Habitat for Humanity in July of 1993.

Funding

Grants Pass Area Habitat for Humanity receives no government funding for building or operating costs, but we do accept funds from local, state & federal government to purchase and develop land for construction. The majority of our funding comes from individual and corporate contributions as well as grants.

Family Selection

Partner families/individuals are selected on the basis of need. They must fall within 25% to 60% of the median income level in Josephine County and be able to pay a nominal monthly mortgage. Our first priority is to help families who are currently living in substandard housing. Habitat seeks to help those who do not qualify for government housing aid, yet cannot afford decent housing. They must be willing to fulfill Habitat's Partner Responsibilities.

Partner Responsibilities

Habitat requires that Partner Families put in 200 to 500 hours of "Sweat Equity" on a GPAHFH project, and repay the cost of materials and professional labor. In Josephine County, this is around $60,000 plus land for a two bedroom home. Payments are based on the family's/individual's income with monthly payments ranging from $300 to $500. The house is sold to the family/individual at no profit and no interest is charged.

Key Ideas

• Habitat is a hand UP, not a handout.
• Habitat builds houses WITH people, not for people.
• Habitat seeks to eliminate inadequate housing.
• Houses are SOLD, not given to partner families/individuals.
• Habitat is an ecumenical Christian Organization.
• Habitat does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, religious affiliation, family status or physical limitation.