Tag: Family

Meet the Butts Family

Posted on by Kelly Moates

 

For over a year Ms. Butts has been working diligently in our New Homeowner Program to prepare for this moment. The moment when the construction of her home begins. She is a single mother of three awesome kids and is ready to start this new chapter in her life. 

As an organization, we are thrilled to have Ms. Butts as a future homeowner. She exemplifies hard work and dedication to this process. As you know, being a Habitat Homeowner is not easy. In fact, it is much more time consuming than regular homeownership. Find more info in our last post HERE. 

 

 

When talking with the group of donors and sponsors at the groundbreaking ceremony Ms. Butts shyly said, “Thank you, just thank you for this opportunity.” While she is quiet her grin was screaming excitement. This is a life-changing opportunity for Ms. Butts and her children and she knows it. She and her family have been in the Jackson County community their entire lives. Since Ms. Butts has been taking care of her three kids she has not been able to maintain consistent living arrangements. The rent costs are incredibly high for a family of four. Even with her working full time the amount going to housing each month was well over the recommended average for sustainable living, 30%. Rental properties are hard to find, especially those that are safe for three young children. In many cases, a savings account was foregone for rent and other living expenses, namely caring for her children.

74% of Habitat Homeowners are better able to save money after moving into their home. 

Now, in a partnership with Jackson County Habitat for Humanity, Ms. Butts is getting the opportunity to build and buy her own home. A home that will remain affordable, not exceeding 1/3 of her income. This home is a launching pad for her as well as her children as they make their way through school and on to the next phases of their lives. Lives are being changed in this program and right now its time for the Butts family.

98% of Habitat Homeowners feel their quality of life is as good or better than before buying a home.

 

Before this build gets into full swing we need to thank the sponsors responsible for making it happen. 

– 12Stone Church

– Jackson EMC Foundation

– Publix Super Markets Charities

– TranSouth Logistics

– First Commerce Bank

 

Let’s build a house!! 

 

P.S. – If you or your business is interested in getting involved in our building efforts please contact Kelly @ kmoates@jacksoncountyhfh.org or 706-387-0242.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does it mean to be a Habitat Partner Family?

Posted on by Kelly Moates

The homeownership program with Habitat for Humanity is unique. For starters, there are many misconceptions and misnomers when it comes to the partnership that we have with our homeowners. They are just that, homeowners. The process looks remarkably like a traditional home buying scenario. The same regulations that your typical mortgage lender follow are the same ones that we follow throughout the process. We are certified, loan originators, within the confines of the organization. All of the notices and red tape still exists and our homeowner partners sign a promissory note and security deed at the completion of the build, just like every other homeowner.

While the differences between our program and traditional home buying are minimal, they tend to make the process more difficult, not easier. Things our homeowners must do:

The Beginning:

-Apply, qualify, submit to a site visit, complete an in-person interview, be selected, sign homeowner agreement

The Middle:

-Complete 300 sweat equity hours, attend six financial classes, one on one coaching with our Family Services Manager, help build their house

The End (or more realistically, the start):

-Enter a 6 month lease period to ensure a smooth transition, close on the home and begin paying an affordable mortgage

This message is important, our families are HOMEOWNERS. Our program is truly a partnership. It cannot be one-sided. As an organization, we require a strong level of buy-in because that is where change happens. When our goal is to end generational poverty the program cannot be lax. Accountability matters and our homeowners rise to that challenge.

*GET READY FOR HOUSE 17 COMING SOON IN COMMERCE, GEORGIA*