• A world-wide non-profit dedicated to providing simple, decent, affordable homes to families in need.

• Last year Habitat for Humanity was the eighth largest home builder in the country.

Habitat for Humanity

• This year Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is celebrating their 20th anniversary of providing affordable housing in the area.

• In the past twenty years we have built 78 affordable homes in Arlington, Fairfax, and Alexandria.

Habitat in Northern Virginia

• In August 2010 Habitat NOVA broke ground on a 12-unit condominium on 17th Street South in the Nauck neighborhood of Arlington.

• Using volunteer labor and donated materials, we plan to complete the project by January 2012.

Perry Hall Condominiums

• In addition to new construction, we are beginning a new program, A Brush With Kindness (ABWK), which will allow us to help more home owners with various needs.

• This program allows us to meet our overarching goal of helping build vibrant communities in the area we serve.

A Brush With Kindness

• A Brush With Kindness is a new program of Habitat for Humanity that aims to assist low-income home owners struggling to maintain the exterior of their homes.

• Through necessary home repairs we are able to maintain the unique character of each community.

What is ABWK?

• Repairs focus on exterior work, but may include things such as door or window replacement.

• The goal is to improve efficiency, comfort, and appearance of the home.

Kinds of Repairs

• There are three main criteria for selection:– Need for both home repairs and

financial assistance– Ability and willingness to pay for a

portion of the repairs – Willingness to partner in some way

Who is eligible?

• The home must be in sub-standard condition – Structural deficiencies– Safety issues– Accessibility Issues– Livability issues

• Income within 30-80% of the Area Median Income

Defining Need

• Ownership of the home must be stable, meaning:– the home must not be in forbearance,

workout or foreclosure– the home must not be at immediate

risk of being condemned– the home must not be at imminent

risk of being forcibly surrendered under eminent domain

Ability and Willingness to Pay

Applicant’s financial situation must be considered to be stable:– if the home is not paid off, the mortgage

must not be more than 30 days delinquent– the applicant must be current on property

taxes– if applicant is in bankruptcy:

• A Chapter 7 must be discharged• A Chapter 13 must have been filed more than

one year ago• The applicant must show one full year of on time

Mortgage Payments

Ability and Willingness to Pay

• As a partner you are expected to contribute in some way to the project.

• You must own and occupy your home to be eligible.• Be willing to sign all documentation for repairs.• Agree to make payments in a timely manner.• A minimum of 7 hours of sweat equity will be

required.– If you are physically able, sweat equity means participating

in repairs– If incapable, we ask that you participate in some other

meaningful way, i.e. thank you cards, baking cookies, passing out waters.

• Home owners are required to be present on work days.

Willingness to Partner

• Financing will be a mix of community sponsorships and no-interest loans.

• Repairs will be subsidized through faith groups, community grants, or other sources of funding.

• The remaining cost of repairs will be the responsibility of the home owner.

• Loan amounts and repayments will be scheduled in such a way as to avoid an excessive burden on the home owner.

How much does it cost?

Applicant must:- agree to a repayment plan for a

portion of the project cost based on income and expenses

- sign a repayment agreement for a portion of the project cost in case the home is sold within 5 years

How much does it cost?

How is the Repayment Determined?

• The cost of the repair project• Applicant’s income

• Applicant’s ability to make payments (i.e., applicant’s expenses)

• A repayment term of 5 years (no interest), payable quarterly

All factors combined help us determine what type of repayment plan is right for

each homeowner.

The Application Process

1. Submit a completed, qualified application

with all required documents.

2. A member of our Construction team will come to

assess your property

3. Conduct an interview with our Family Selection

Committee at your home or in our

office

4. You receive notification in writing of acceptance or

rejection.

5. If you qualify, we will begin immediately working with you to fill out documents, contracts, and manner of financing.

6. Once all documentation is complete, we will schedule build days and begin work.

Questions and Comments