gross income must be $16,000 to $33,000. Payments usually work out to about $350 or $450 a month. Willingness to partner: A family must complete at least 500 hours of sweat equity, as well as attend courses on budgeting and homeownership. They must also participate in media events, interviews and in homeowners association. “People must understand that they have to pay for the house,” Wallace said. Habitat provides homeowners with 30-year, no-interest loans, but they must be paid back. Part of Wallace’s job is to find lots to build Habitat houses. “Sometimes we buy from the city, if they are tax-default lots,” he said. “Some are donated, while other times I drive around and see the for sale signs.” Residents have no choice as to what neighborhood or part of town their house will be built, he added. The nonprofit usually has two builds going on simultaneously, and according to Pat Rhoades, Habitat for Humanity volunteer coordinator, each house takes about 18 weeks to build. But that can vary due to the house, the weather or other factors. Homes are built all over the county. Last year, Habitat refurbished seven homes in the Delano area. Donations to the nonprofit come from all over, including home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. Most items now go to Habitat’s ReStore, 622 Jackson St., which opened in October 2009, and sells new and used materials, furniture and household goods at a big discount.
661.703.8736
182 Quantico Ave., #3, Bakersfield, CA 93306 Lic. #867069
Habitat for Humanity Facts 1976: Year internationally founded. 1991: Year Kern County affiliate was founded. 1992: Year first Kern house was completed. 52: Number of homes built since the Kern office opened. 2: Average number of houses built per year. 18: Number of weeks it takes to build an average house. 2,400: Number of Kern volunteers. Source: Dennis Wallace, executive director
During its first year, the store was able to make enough of a profit for Habitat to buy a repossessed home and refurbish it for a family. To commemorate 20 years in business, Habitat held an awards reception late last year, to honor donors, contributors and volunteers,
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