FOR A CAUSE
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Dennis Wallace stands in the agency’s ReStore as customers shop for extremely discounted items.
By Gene Garaygordobil
Mission statement: Habitat for Humanity works in a partnership with God and people from all walks of life, to develop communities and hope for those in need by building and renovating houses, so that there are nice homes in decent communities in which every person can experience God’s love and can live and grow into all that God intends.
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here can one find a new or refurbished home in Kern County for less than the cost of rent? It’s not too good to be true, and it’s not a flyby-night operation. Kern County’s Habitat for Humanity has been working to help people get an affordable home for 20 years. And although some people are unaware of its existence, the nonprofit agency has a database of nearly 2,400 volunteers ready to help new homeowners build their 1,146-square-foot dream home. Three bedrooms and one bath may not sound grand, but for residents who are used to living in overcrowded homes, small apartments 44
Bakersfield Life
March 2012
Photo by Maria Ahumada-Garaygordobil
Kern’s chapter: Building for two decades
or in a garage, these floor plans offer more than they can imagine. Plus, it’s a place they can call home. Executive Director Dennis Wallace has headed the agency for 14 years, and during that time, has seen 47 homes built locally. “We actually have the largest service area of any Habitat chapter,” Wallace said of Kern County. “It’s actually the size of the state of Massachusetts.” When he first started, he said the agency consisted strictly of all volunteers. That has since changed with the addition of a few staff members. So how does one qualify for a Habitat for Humanity home? Wallace said there are three criteria. Need: Families must have a significant need for improved housing, such as living conditions being overcrowded, unhealthy or in a dangerous neighborhood. Housing costs are more than 50 percent of monthly income. Families living in subsidized housing may also be eligible. Ability to pay: A family’s source of income must be steady and verifiable. No more than 30 percent of your monthly income will go toward the mortgage payment. To be eligible, your family’s annual