Bud Shull tells the story . . . .
Habitat for Humanity IWV is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry which seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the Indian Wells Valley, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.
Habitat for Humanity's work is accomplished at the community level by affiliates--non-profit independent, locally run organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity IWV. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses. Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and the monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest 500 hours of their own labor — sweat equity — into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.
During an application cycle the HFH IWV Family Selection Committee chooses potential homeowners from applicants based on their level of need, their willingess to become partners and their ability to repay a no-interest loan The list of potential homeowners is then presented to the Board of Directors for approval (more).
Since being chartered as a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in 2000, 13 homes have been built with the help of over 300 donors and over 700 volunteers. Our 12th home was our Builders Blitz home. Professional builders under the leadership of Chuck Cordell of PVC Plumbing and Mechanical Inc. built this home in 7 days--a major accomplishment for the Indian Wells Valley. Also in the fall of 2006, IWV Operation Home Delivery volunteers framed a 4-bedroom house at the Home Depot parking lot and shipped the dismantled wall panels to the Habitat affiliate in Mobile, Alabama.
Our long-term goal is to complete 10 additional homes by 2010. We completed 11 homes in our first 7 years and now the Board of Directors has made the commitment to complete 10 homes in 3 years. If this important work is to happen, we need volunteers to help in all parts of our organization. You can email the HFHIWV office or call and leave your name and contact information. We will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss ways you can help. We welcome everyone who shares our passion for helping people realize their dream of owning a home. All people, whether or not of any religious affiliation, are encouraged to join us as volunteers and as possible applicants for a Habitat for Humanity home.