Habitat for Humanity

What is Habitat for Humanity of Brevard County, Inc.?

Serving Brevard County residents since 1985. The ministry has provided more than 200 opportunities for homeowners with families/individuals in need..

Habitat for Humanity of Brevard County (HFHBC) is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry seeking to eliminate poverty housing, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. HFHBC invites people from all walks life to work together in partnership to build houses with families in need. Since its start in 1985, the ministry has completed over 200 homes.

How does Habitat work?

Utilizes volunteer labor. Charges homeowners a no-interest, no-profit mortgage. Tithes 10% of contributions to 3rd world affiliates to build.

HFHBC is not a charity or a give-away program. Habitat for Humanity builds houses with Brevard County families in need. Volunteer labor is used to build houses keeping building costs low for Partner families. These Habitat homeowners pay a down and a monthly zero interest mortgage payment, which includes property taxes and homeowners insurance. They also invest hundreds of hours of their own labor –“Sweat Equity”- into building their own houses and the houses of other; as well as working with other non-profits in our community. As Habitat homeowners pay their mortgages, the money goes into a revolving fund that helps build houses with other families. HFHBC tithes 10% on undesignated donation to support the house building efforts around the world in areas such as Honduras, Guatemala, and Jordan

How are partner families selected?

Selection is based on need; willingness to partner, and the ability to repay the no-interest mortgage

We accept application from prospective homebuyers by appointment on a continuous basis. Our Future homeowners committee reviews the applications and qualifies families based on need, willingness to partner in the program and their ability to repay the no-interest mortgage. A policy of non discrimination is followed. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the individuals/families who purchase houses from Habitat for Humanity.

Where are Habitat for Humanity houses built in Brevard County and who builds them?

Primarily in the cities of Melbourne, Palm Bay. Cocoa, and Titusville. The future homeowners build the home with various volunteers from without the entire community

HFHBC recently completed a 28-unit subdivision, “Faith Landings”, off Florida Avenue in Melbourne. The project was started in May 2003, and completed in June 2005. Currently, houses are under construction in Cocoa, Melbourne and Palm Bay.

Individuals and groups from around the community donate their time and energy and treasures to support the building of these homes. Groups such as church congregations, civic clubs, businesses, other non-profits, city and county government come are coming together to change lives and build a better community for everyone.

How big is a Habitat house and how much does it cost to sponsor a build?

The typical HFHSB 3 bedroom house is 1052 square feet with a one-car garage and can be sponsored for $45,000

It costs an average of $45.000 to sponsor the building of a Habitat for Humanity home. Other costs such as land and infrastructure are offset through grants from HUD through Habitat for Humanity International and both city and county government entities. The average selling price is $76,000. The difference between the actual cost and the selling price become a soft second mortgage forgivable over a certain number of years.

The typical house built in this area is a three bedroom, one bath 1052 square foot unit – under air with a one –car garage. These homes are affordable to Brevard County residents who make between 30%-56% of our current median income $57,300.

The mortgages are financed with HFHBC over a 15-30 year period, depending on the need of the purchaser. The monthly mortgage (est. $350.00) includes homeowner insurance, property taxes and termite bond

How is Habitat for Humanity helping to meet in housing needs in Brevard County?

There are close to 500,000 people living in Brevard County, populating 15 municipalities. Economic growth, however, has created increasing demands on local infrastructure and public services, and increased the demand for affordable housing.

The average citizen earns less than 60% of the median income and cannot not find adequate affordable housing in our community. Brevard County’s first time homebuyer program is closed with over 800 families currently in need of help on their waiting list. The HUD estimated Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom rental unit in Brevard County is over $800.00 a month. For a household to afford a two bedroom unit, their annual income would have to total at least $28,000. HFHBC currently has over 60 potential homebuyers on our waiting list.

Habitat for Humanity of Brevard County and the government.

Government funds accepted for land, streets, utilities, and administrative needs, and houses needing rehabilitation. HFHBC does not accept government funds for the construction of new houses. HFHBC does accept government funds for the acquisition of land or houses in need of rehabilitation. Habitat also accepts government funds for streets, utilities and administrative expenses, so long as the funds have no conditions that would violate HFHBC principles or limit its ability to proclaim its Christian witness.

What is the Habitat for Humanity ReStore?

ReStore is a retail outlet selling home improvement materials..

HFHBC opened the ReStore in July 2003 to help raise overhead expenses needed to support the ongoing efforts of its housing ministry.

The ReStore is a retail outlet selling donated surplus furniture, appliances, tools and home improvement materials to the public.

The store is open Monday – Saturday from 8am-4pm. Located at 4450-L Enterprise Court in Melbourne, the ReStore is an opportunity to support HFHBC and create a better environment in our community. By recycling tons of materials that would otherwise end up in our area land fills, HFHBC can continue to serve the community of Brevard. The Restore number is (321) 255-5950.

How can I help make a difference?

Serve on the Board of Directors or on one of our six standing committees; Sponsor a special event; Donate materials, money or time; or come out to the construction site to build houses.

There are many different ways that you can volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. Volunteers are needed to serve on the following committees: Public Relations; Volunteer Relations; Future Homeowner; Site Selection; Faith Relations; Resource Development; and Office “Angel”.