Who controls and manages CCHH?
Each affiliate is an independently governed entity. CCHH has a Board of Directors (all volunteers) who conduct fundraising and set policy. In addition, CCHH has a full time professional staff to manage the daily operations of the affiliate.

How does it work?
Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, CCHH builds and renovates safe, affordable houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to the families at no profit and financed with affordable, no-interest loans. 

A "Hand-Up" not a "Hand-Out"
Habitat is not a give-away program. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners who meet the selection criteria of the Family Selection Committee invest 300-500 hours of their own labor ("sweat equity") into the building of their homes. 

How does Habitat work with the Government?
Habitat does accept government funds for the acquisition of land or houses in need of rehabilitation.  Habitat also accepts government funds for streets, utilities and administrative expenses. However, Habitat is a non-profit Christian housing ministry, not a government organization.

How does Habitat Fund its Building and Program Activity?
CCHH invites individuals, corporations, foundations, religious congregations or other organizations to sponsor a Habitat home or part of one. In addition to tax incentives and the normal federal income tax deductions, it is possible for corporations and businesses who pay sales tax to sponsor a house for a small contribution through the Community Contribution Tax Credit Program (CCTCP). Call us to find out more about being a House Sponsor.

Through these partnerships, sponsors supply funds to cover material and construction costs, permit fees and taxes. They also provide volunteers to work with the homeowners and skilled construction workers in the construction of the houses. Each affiliate raises its own funds to build houses. Affiliates also tithe a portion of unrestricted funds to HFHI to support the construction of homes around the world. CCHH tithes to Guatemala (www.habitatguate.org) and Costa Rica (www.habitatcostarica.org).

Who can build?
Anyone over the age of 14 can build at a CCHH construction site. (Some restrictions apply to ages 14-18 - please view the Volunteer page for clarification.) No previous construction skill is required. Volunteers are scheduled for construction, committee, Home Improvement Center, and office needs through our Volunteer page.