About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity offers a hand up, not a hand out. Working with hard working, very low-income families, Habitat for Humanity of Tulare County builds decent, affordable homes. 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. It was announced in May of 2009 that Habitat for Humanity was the NUMBER ONE private home builder in the United States.

History

Founded in 1994, Habitat for Humanity of Tulare County has completed 33 new homes in Tulare, Visalia and one in the City of 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 Minnesota. This program will allow Habitat for Humanity of Tulare County to serve even more people in the community. With the local foreclosure rate climbing every day Habitat for Humanity has started a refurbishing program called “Rescued Homes” to purchase and repair some of these homes.

Currently our staff consists of an Executive Director, Family Services Director, Construction Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Executive Assistant and a Resource Development Director. 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 usable 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 support of the business, congregational, and local community, as well as service orginizations and City Governments, Habitat for Humanity has been able to make a difference in the community.

Our four year partnership with the Tulare Adult School has increased our ability to build and repair more houses.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.