About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity offers a hand up, not a hand out. Working with hard working, low-income families, HFHTC builds safe, decent, affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity families invest 500 hours of ‘sweat equity’ building their own homes or working on other Habitat projects. Once the home is completed, the family then purchases the home using a no-interest, no-profit Habitat mortgage which does not exceed 1/3 of their monthly income. Volunteers build 80% of every Habitat home.

History

Founded in 1994, Habitat for Humanity of Tulare County has completed 30 homes in Tulare, Visalia  and Hanford. In June 2008 We dedicated our first two story, Green Build house in Visalia and we are now adding 'Green Building' aspects to all the houses we build. In March 2008 we adopted the "A Brush with Kindness" repair program started in Twin Cities Minnisota. This program will allow Habitat for Humanity of Tulare County to help even more people in the community.

Currently our staff consists of an Executive Director, Program Director, Construction Manager, and a Resource Development Director. A new VISTA (volunteer in service for America) joined the Habitat staff in July 2007 as ReStore Coordinator. Part of Habitat for Humanity of Tulare County is the ReStore, a building materials thrift store. This was established in 2003 as a means to keep useable building materials from going to the landfill. The ReStore staffs two specialists and relies heavily on volunteers.

With 27% of Tulare County’s population living below the poverty level, the need for affordable housing is great. Because of the continued blessings from God Habitat for Humanity has been able to make a difference in the community.

Thanks to local businesses, churches, service organizations, city governments, and individuals, we have seen our housing production raise considerable over the past few years.  During the first 13 years in operation Habitat build 10 houses. In 2006 we built 10 houses-5 with a "for profit" builder. Our four year partnership with the Tulare Adult School has  increassed our ability to build more houses. Habitat for Humanity of Tulare County has projects in the works that will house 16 more families over the next two years.

Thank you to everyone who gives so much.

Mission

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry seeking to eliminate poverty housing and make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Working in partnership with God, we are building houses, building lives, building hope, and building community.

Vision

Every man, woman, and child in Tulare County will have a decent, affordable place to live.