What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami is an ecumenical Christian ministry, which builds homes in partnership with low-income families in need of a decent place to live. Miami Habitat was formed in 1989 and is in the top ten of over 2,000 Habitat affiliates nationwide. This ministry is open to all persons who desire to work to eliminate poverty housing. With all classes of people working together, Miami Habitat hopes to build new relationships and a sense of community as well as decent homes.

How does Habitat for Humanity work?
Habitat works as a partnership consisting of families in need, volunteers, churches, businesses and other organizations and individuals. Simple, low-cost homes are built using contributions, donated materials, and volunteer and homeowner labor. The houses are sold at cost and with no-interest financing to low-income families who have a stable income but are unable to qualify for a conventional mortgage. This makes it possible for families, who otherwise could not afford to buy their own home, to realize their dreams of homeownership.

Where does Miami Habitat build?
We are currently building - or planning to build - in Overtown, Little Haiti, Princeton (between Cutler Ridge and Homestead ) and Liberty City. Almost 600 Habitat houses also already exist in these communities as well as in Florida City, Little River, Highland Park, Homestead, Goulds, the City of South Miami, South Miami Heights, and West Perrine.

How are Habitat homes built?
The homebuilding effort is heavily dependent upon volunteer labor. Also, homeowners invest hundreds of sweat equity hours in the construction of their homes and the homes of other Habitat homeowners.

What kind of houses does Miami Habitat build?
Miami Habitat builds new, simple, energy efficient houses. Most homes have 3 bedrooms and 1 bath, but there are also some 4 bedroom, 2 bath homes. The houses are primarily single-story concrete block homes, although some two-story models are currently being built in certain areas.

Does Habitat build rental units or multi-family housing?
No. Miami Habitat only builds single-family homes. On completion, these houses are sold to the applicant.

Do Habitat houses allow people to move from poverty to plush new houses?
Habitat's philosophy is to build simple, decent homes. Any newly built house is going to be a dramatic change for a family that has been living in deplorable conditions. However, Habitat houses are not extravagant by any means.

Can Habitat homeowners sell their houses and make a large profit because of the original selling price?
Habitat retains the "Right of First Refusal" to purchase back any home if a homeowner needs to sell. Habitat buys the home back at a price that shares with the homeowner the appreciation in the value of the house.

How are homeowners selected?
A family selection committee reviews all applicants and follows a non-discriminatory selection process, based on housing need, ability to repay the loan, and willingness to partner with Miami Habitat.

Does Habitat for Humanity give houses to poor people?
Habitat houses are not given to anyone. The houses are built with those in need and then sold to the homeowner partners. Mortgage payments are kept affordable for families who would otherwise be unable to qualify for conventional financing through low down payments, no-profit/no-interest loans and low monthly payments. Homeowners also invest hundreds of hours of "sweat equity" building their own home and those of neighbors.

What is sweat equity?
Sweat equity is the investment that homeowners make in their houses prior to moving in by spending hundreds of hours building their own home and the homes of others. Sweat equity reduces the cost of the home while increasing the personal pride of ownership for their house and community, and fosters the development of partnerships and positive relationships with other people in the community.

Where is the Habitat office? Work sites?
The Miami Habitat for Humanity office is located at 3800 NW 22nd Avenue, Miami, Florida.

Please contact the Habitat office at (305) 634-3628 or e-mail for addresses and directions of current work sites.

Where does the money to build come from?
The money for building comes from two main sources: donations and mortgage payments. Donations from individuals, foundations, organizations and businesses are used to purchase land and materials. The no-interest mortgage payments made by current Habitat homeowners also support the construction of additional Habitat homes.

How can I help Miami Habitat?
You can help by volunteering your time towards construction or office-related tasks or making a donation of land, materials, or money. Your involvement does make a difference. Give us a call at (305) 634-3628 if you would like to help.

Are contributions tax-deductible?
Yes, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami is an incorporated, non-profit organization and is tax-exempted under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Of each dollar raised, 92% is invested in program services, 7% in administration, and 1% in fundraising.