Frequently Asked Questions

How does Habitat work?
Habitat partners with qualified families to create affordable housing in safe and stable environments. These families take budgeting and home ownership seminars and contribute 350 sweat equity hours toward the construction of their home. They pay a down payment of $500 as well as monthly mortgage payments on a 20-year, no interest loan held by HFHDC. Homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments create a revolving "Fund for Humanity" that is used to construct other homes.

What has Habitat accomplished in Dane County?

Habitat for Humanity of Dane County has built and renovated 135 homes.

In 1994, UW-Madison students started a campus chapter and in 2006 was named campus chapter of the year by Habitat for Humanity International. Students raise funds, work at local construction sites and work with out-of-state and international affiliates during vacations and school breaks. The UW-Chapter is currently working on their seventh home on Erin Street in Madison.

Other chapter affiliates in Dane County are located in Stoughton, Mt. Horeb and Brooklyn-Oregon and our newest chapter is located in Deerfield.

What is the cost of a Habitat home?
Habitat homes are less expensive because volunteer labor builds them with new construction materials that are donated or purchased at discounted prices. The average cost of a HFHDC home is $85,000. Prices are based on actual costs for materials, land and site improvements.

The interest free mortgage makes monthly payments affordable for those with limited incomes. Habitat negotiates a second mortgage with the homeowner to secure its equity (the fair market value of donated goods and services) in the home.

Because our homes are built with donated or discounted new building materials and volunteer labor, mortgage payments are reasonable for families with lower incomes (below 60% of the Dane County Median Income -- $44,220 for a family of four.) HFHDC also matches the partner family with a family support volunteer who provides assistance and advice to new homeowners.

How are homeowners selected?
Habitat for Humanity of Dane County serves families for whom the dream of home ownership seems impossible. Many prospective Habitat families live in overcrowded, unsafe, or overly expensive housing. The upper income limit is 60% of the county median income (approximately $44,220 for a family of four in Dane County). This income level precludes conventional financing. HFHDC’s Family Selection Committee screens applicants to determine whether they would benefit from a Habitat home and be successful homeowners.

Monthly mortgage, tax and insurance payments must not exceed 25% of the family’s gross monthly income. Partner families must have reasonable credit, good landlord references and an understanding of the sweat equity work required. HFHDC adheres to all laws, rules and regulations regarding non-discrimination.

How is HFHDC organized?
Our Board of Directors, consisting of community volunteers, sets policy and provides oversight and responsibility for operations. The HFHDC staff, consisting of our Executive Director, Family Serices Manager, Financial Manager and Construction Manager manages daily operations. Committees plan and implement construction, family selection and partnership, publicity and fund raising, church relations, community involvement and volunteer functions. The UW-Campus Chapter and other county chapters are affiliated with and responsible to the HFHDC organization.

Contributions from individuals, churches, businesses, foundations, United Way and monthly mortgage payments fund Habitat projects. In-kind donations of construction materials, services and lunches are also accepted and appreciated. Hundreds of community volunteers give their time and talents for site construction, office assistance, fund raising and organizational work. Habitat only uses government funds for land purchases, street and utility expenses, and certain personnel. All of these contributions are greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, community and human needs continue to exceed what HFHDC is currently able to provide. View HFHDC's 990 Form and 1952 Form.

How can I help?
Everyone has a skill that can help to build a Habitat home. We also have volunteer opportunities at our Habitat ReStore located at 208 Cottage Grove Road.

INDIVIDUAL - To become a volunteer at the work site, the Habitat ReStore or in the Habitat office, please complete a volunteer form (PDF). Construction supervisors are always critical to ongoing building projects. Financial donations buy construction supplies, appliances, land and other needed materials. For more information click here.

GROUP - Many groups join in supporting Habitat’s mission. Would your church, synagogue, business, civic or other organization like to participate in a workday at one of our construction sites? Or serve lunch to our Saturday work crews? Or help with warehouse and retail assistance at ReStore? Or explore the many other options available? The Group Registration Form (PDF) offers a full range of opportunities for many interests and ages. Your response is welcomed. For more information about groups click here, or contact Lisa, the volunteer manager at (608) 255-1549 x104 or habitat@habitatdane.org for additional information.