Cold Weather, Skittish Housing Market = Low Numbers; Habitat to Hold Another Meeting Feb. 4

January 30, 2009

Jan. 30, 2009
Contact: Cheryl McCollum, cmccollum@habitatdane.org, 255-1549, ext. 114, 658-8158 (cell)

Below zero temperatures and a skittish housing market are likely the reasons there was low attendance at two recent Habitat for Humanity of Dane County meetings. Due to the low numbers, the local chapter has set a new meeting for Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m.

“Generally, we have 40 or more individuals at our informational meetings, but the cold weather meant less than 15 people came to each of our meetings in January,” said Lisa Seidel, family services manager at Habitat for Humanity of Dane County. “Because our goal is to build 20 homes this year, we added another meeting to find families interested in building a home in 2009.”

A struggling housing market is likely another factor on low attendance, Seidel suspected. “We’re trying to break through the misconception that owning a home during poor economic times is scary,” said Seidel. “In reality, Habitat for Humanity’s program has the tools to help families be successful homeowners.”

Along with providing zero percent interest loans, Habitat for Humanity of Dane County also provides training for its families going through the program. Budgeting, lawn care and home maintenance are just a few of the classes families are required to take while they build with Habitat for Humanity.  
 
This application workshop meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Habitat’s headquarters at 1014 Fiedler Lane, #29, Madison. To receive your application ahead of time, call 255-1549.

In 2009, Habitat for Humanity is building on the North Side of Madison and in and around Dane County.

Program applicants are required to have good credit and three years positive rental history. Applicants must have a minimum household income of $25,000. For more information on income requirements or to be placed on the mailing list for future informational meetings, contact Habitat for Humanity of Dane County at 255-1549.

-30-

Habitat for Humanity of Dane County provides simple, decent, affordable housing for families who might not otherwise become homeowners. Eligible families pay monthly mortgage payments on a 0% interest loan, and contribute 300 to 350 hours of sweat equity in the building of their homes and an additional 25 hours helping other Habitat homeowners build their homes. For more information, call 608-255-1549 or visit www.habitatdane.org.