February 8 - Austin Habitat for Humanity
Aaron Landis, Development manager of Austin Habitat for Humanity was our speaker on 8 February. Austin Habitat for Humanity started 30 years ago as its own entity providing homes in Austin. Its family partners go through a program so that they invest “sweat” equity into the home they will get. To qualify the family income needs to be less than 60% of the median Austin income. Families give 300 hours of sweat equity including 150 hours of classes. The family also helps with building of its own home and other homes along with volunteers. Houses are usually 3 to 5 bedroom homes, and Austin Habitat for Humanity tries to build neighborhoods not just single homes here and there. The closing takes place about a month after house is finished. The family provides a small down payment and has a mortgage with low interest which covers hard cost of house. For 10 years, AHH has right of first refusal if the family moves. AHH has built 400+ homes in 30 years, but it is now getting harder to find land. AHH also has a home repair program to keep people in their neighborhoods. Another new program is targeting families with 80% of median income or less and helps with a second lien that is paid on after 1st lien is paid off. Mr. Landis provided us with examples about how the stability of getting a home has a ripple effect. There is a low foreclosure rate on habitat homes. AHH operates a Restore in South Austin where supplies can be donated and purchased – there is 54000 square feet of retail at new space. AHH can always use volunteers for construction and at the Restore.