 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| PolyHabitat > FAQ |
FAQ Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding PolyHabitat and our affiliation with Habitat for Humanity. Special thanks to Habitat for Humanity International for supplying the information. |
Do I need to be skilled to be involved? Is this a religious organization? How can I get involved with Habitat for Humanity? Does San Luis Obispo County really have a housing problem? What does a Habitat house cost? How are the partner families selected? Where does Habitat for Humanity operate? How does Habitat work with the government? |
Q: Do I need to be skilled to be involved? A: No, we welcome any volunteer, regardless of skill, willing to help where he or she is needed. Most of our volunteers have no formal construction training. On the build sites, construction managers are present to direct and oversee the day's work. These individuals do a fine job of making volunteers feel comfortable and confident. |
| Q: Is this a religious
organization? A: Yes, Habitat for Humanity was founded as a Christian non-profit organization upon Christian principals. However, Habitat for Humanity does not discriminate on religious grounds. Volunteers of all religions and no religion are encouraged join in combating homelessness and substandard housing. Partner families (for whom the houses are constructed) are chosen independently of their religious beliefs. |
| Q: How can I get involved
with Habitat for Humanity? A: The best way to become involved with PolyHabitat is to attend our meetings, held at 7:00PM on the first Wednesday of every month on the Cal Poly Campus (contact us to find out which room). Here you can learn what we have planned, what projects are upcoming, and ask any questions this web site does not answer. Meeting attendance is not required to volunteer, but meetings offer the best opportunity for those looking to become involved with the club's operations. If you're looking to volunteer, check out our Projects Page . We encourage you to volunteer with a few friends! |
| Q: Does San Luis Obispo
County really have a housing problem? A: As a small county, there are not enough services for the working poor. You may not see families of seven living in one-bedroom apartments, but they are out there and are being ignored. With strict new development regulations, building more low-income and affordable housing here in San Luis Obispo is very difficult. Habitat for Humanity is the only organization in the county that builds houses for the lowest income bracket of the working poor. |
| Q: What does a Habitat
house cost? A: Throughout the world, the cost of houses varies from as little as $700 in some developing countries to an average of $42,500 in the United States. In San Luis Obispo County we are building houses for about $96,000 plus any land costs. Habitat houses are affordable for low-income families because there is no profit included in the sale price and no interest charged on the mortgage. Mortgage length varies from 7 to 30 years. |
| Q: How are the partner
families selected? A: Families in need of decent shelter apply to local Habitat affiliates. The affiliate's family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the no-interest loan. Every affiliate follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families who receive Habitat houses. |
| Q: Where does Habitat
for Humanity operate? Habitat is a worldwide, grass-roots movement. There are more than 2,100 active affiliates in 92 countries, including all 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. Use our affiliate search to find Habitat affiliates in your area. See the Habitat Affiliates Worldwide section for information on each country in which Habitat is at work, including progress reports, project descriptions and affordable housing needs. |
| Q: How does Habitat
work with the government? Habitat for Humanity International is not a government agency, nor does it accept government funds for the construction of houses. However, Habitat considers all levels of government and governmental agencies important partners in its mission to eliminate poverty housing. Habitat encourage governments to do what they can to help alleviate the suffering of all those who have no decent, adequate place to live. Habitat for Humanity welcomes partnerships with governments to
help "set the stage" for the construction of houses. Stage-setting
funding and gifts might include land, houses for rehabilitation,
infrastructure for streets, utilities, administrative expenses,
and the necessary permits. |
