What is Habitat for Humanity?
Flatirons Habitat for Humanity, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, is a non-profit organization that builds homes in partnership with qualified families in need of decent and affordable housing. Our goal is to eliminate poverty housing both locally and globally.
What is Flatirons Habitat’s service area?
Flatirons Habitat’s serves the Boulder Valley School District (Region 2) and the City/County of Broomfield. BVSD RE2 includes Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Boulder, Nederland and Ward but does not include Longmont, Lyons and other towns in the St. Vrain School District
Are Habitat homes free?
No, Habitat is not a charity or a “hand-out” program. Habitat homes are sold to selected homeowners at no profit, with a zero interest loan from Habitat. Homeowners pay an affordable monthly mortgage payment, not exceeding 25% of the household income. In addition, each homeowner must complete sweat equity hours by volunteering their time to work on their home and the homes of their Habitat neighbors.
Who is Jimmy Carter?
Mr. Carter has volunteered with his wife, Rosalynn, on many Habitat projects around the world, helping tremendously to spread the word about our mission. The Jimmy Carter Work Project is hosted by Habitat International in a different location each year. For more information visit www.habitat.org.
- Families living in substandard conditions.
- Families with incomes between 35-49% of the area median income in the County the home is being built.
- Families willing to invest 225 “sweat-equity” hours for a single-parent family, 450 hours for a two-parent household.
- Families who have lived or worked within our service area at least one out of the last two years.
What are the specifications of a typical home?
A Habitat home is a simple, decent, affordable home. Most homes being built by our affiliate at this time are duplex or condo-style. Habitat homes are well built, low maintenance homes containing the basics but not a lot of extras. All homes include energy efficient washer and dryer as well as a refrigerator/freezer and stove/oven. General policy mandates that Habitat homes meet the following square footage: 900 sq ft for 2 bedroom homes; 1070 sq ft for 3 bedroom homes; 1230 sq ft for 4 bedroom homes.
How does Habitat determine the number of bedrooms?
Generally the size of unit being built will be determined before the selection process has begun. Applicants will qualify for a home based on family size; Habitat assumes two children of the same gender per bedroom. Therefore, a family of four (two adults, two daughters) would qualify for a two bedroom. A family of four (two adults, one son and one daughter) would qualify for a three bedroom unit.
Can a homeowner sell their home?
Yes, homeowners can sell their Habitat home at any time. However, there are often restrictions on resale value and/or permanent affordability covenants. There is also a profit sharing clause that requires that any profit made from the re-sale of a Habitat home within 20 years of purchase must be shared with Habitat.
Is there a real need for affordable housing in our service area?
Yes. The need for affordable housing in Colorado is high. Studies have shown that median home prices are rising much faster in Colorado than wages, creating a shortfall of homeownership opportunities in the state, especially in the Front Range, the Western Slope, and the mountain resort areas. Boulder is a prime example of housing costs rising out of control. Studies have also shown that affordable housing is vital to the economic health of a community and just as much a part of infrastructure development as building adequate roads, for example. Our most vulnerable populations – the elderly, the disabled, and the homeless deserve a fair chance at housing. Additionally, workers essential to the health of a community – teachers, firefighters, law enforcement personnel, emergency workers, retail workers, etc. – can better do their job when they are able to live in the communities in which they work. By reducing commute times, communities contribute to economic vitality by reducing transportation infrastructure costs, pollution, and labor turnover rates. See the Colorado Blue Ribbon Panel on Housing for further information.
Still have questions about our organization?
Feel free to get in touch with us:
Flatirons Habitat for Humanity
1455 Dixon Ave, Suite 210
Lafayette, CO 80026
Phone: 303-447-3787
Fax: 303-245-0699
Map: Click Here
Staff: Contact Information