Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami
What is Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami ?
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami is an ecumenical Christian ministry which builds homes in partnership with low-income families in need of a decent place to live. Miami Habitat was formed in 1989 and is in the top twenty of over 2,000 Habitat affiliates nationwide. This ministry is open to all persons who desire to work to eliminate poverty housing. With all classes of people working together, Miami Habitat hopes to build new relationships and a sense of community as well as decent homes.
How are homes built?
Habitat purchases land and materials with donations from individuals, churches, service groups, businesses and foundations. Government funds are not accepted for the construction of houses; Habitat does seek government support in land acquisition and infrastructure improvements. The homebuilding effort is heavily dependent upon volunteer labor. Also, homeowners invest hundreds of sweat equity hours in the construction of their homes and the homes of other Habitat homeowners and make a 3% down payment to Habitat. Homeowner mortgage payments are channeled back into the construction of additional homes.
Where does Miami Habitat build homes?
Miami Habitat has built over 600 homes in the low-income neighborhoods of West Perrine, Liberty City, South Miami, Goulds, Homestead, South Miami Heights, Overtown, and Little Haiti.
Are contributions tax-deductible?
Yes. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami is an incorporated, non-profit organization and is tax-exempted under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Of each dollar raised, 90% is invested in program services, 7% in administration, and 3% in fundraising.
How much do the homes cost?
The homes are sold on a no-profit basis and cost about $105,000. Applicants must be able to provide an initial down payment of about $1,500 and pay a no-interest mortgage payment of approximately $600 to $800 a month.
How are homeowners selected?
A family selection committee reviews all applicants and follows a non-discriminatory selection process, based on housing need, ability to repay the loan, and willingness to partner with Miami Habitat.
How can I help Miami Habitat?
You can help by volunteering your time towards construction or office-related tasks or making a donation of land, materials, or money. Your involvement does make a difference. Give us a call at (305) 634-3628 if you would like to help.
OUR PURPOSE:
Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical, Christian ministry whose purpose is to build homes and communities in partnership with low-income families within Greater Miami.
OUR TASKS:
Our tasks are twofold: 1) To provide home ownership opportunities to low-income families in all of Miami's communities of need by building and renovating modest homes with family partners and providing them with interest-free loans for the purchase of these homes and 2) To provide opportunities to all people of conscience to volunteer and to otherwise support the building of homes and communities in partnership with low-income families.
OUR GOALS:
- To witness to the Word of God and the love of Jesus Christ for all persons through our words and actions.
- To follow Biblical teachings in our attitudes and actions.
- To build bridges among all economic and ethnic segments of our community by establishing new relationships, a sense of community, and a renewed commitment to "the common good."
- To welcome participation from all individuals, groups, or organizations who desire to join with Miami Habitat because of their shared concern and compassion for those in need.
- To be a financially responsible non-profit ministry that raises money from those who share our vision and to spend the money raised with integrity, community accountability, and for the specific purpose intended by the donors.
- To select families for home ownership based on their need, willingness to be a full partner in the Habitat program, and ability to repay the interest-free loan in support of the Habitat ministry. Selection will be made without consideration of race or creed.
- To maintain a mutually beneficial nurturing friendship with each family by ongoing contact and instruction in the areas of budgeting, financial planning, home maintenance, etc.
- To support the work of Habitat ministries in other communities as our resources allow, by contributing a tithe (10%) of undesignated financial contributions.
Theological Foundation
Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety.
Habitat has an open-door policy: all who desire to be a part of this work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background. Habitat for Humanity has always had a policy of building with people in need regardless of race or religion, and we welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds.
The work of Habitat for Humanity is driven by the desire to give tangible expression to the love of God through the work of eliminating poverty housing. Habitat's mission and methods are predominantly derived from a few key theological concepts: the necessity of putting faith into action, the "economics of Jesus" and the "theology of the hammer."
Putting Faith Into Action
Habitat's ministry is based on the conviction that to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ we must reflect Christ's love in our own lives by loving and caring for one another. Our love must not be words only -- it must be true love, which shows itself in action. Habitat provides an opportunity for people to put their faith and love into action, bringing diverse groups of people together to make affordable housing and better communities a reality for everyone.
The Economics of Jesus
When people act in response to human need, giving what they have without seeking profit or interest, we believe God magnifies the effects of our efforts. Habitat refers to this perspective as "the economics of Jesus." Together, the donated labor of construction volunteers, the support of partner organizations and the homeowners' "sweat equity" make Habitat's house-building possible. By sharing resources with those in need, Habitat volunteers and supporters have made decent, affordable housing a reality for more than 125,000 families worldwide.
The Theology of the Hammer
Habitat is a partnership founded on common ground -- bridging theological differences by putting love into action. Everyone can use the hammer as an instrument to manifest God's love. Habitat Founder and President Millard Fuller calls this concept "the theology of the hammer," explaining, "we may disagree on all sorts of other things... but we can agree on the idea of building homes with God's people in need, and in doing so using biblical economics: no profit and no interest."
Habitat for Humanity welcomes all people to build with us in partnership. "The Bible teaches that God is the God of the whole crowd," explains Fuller. "God's love leaves nobody out, and my love should not either. This understanding drives 'the theology of the hammer' around the world, steadily building more and more houses in more and more countries."
