Partnership
Homeowners and volunteers build together

No profit and no interest
Homeowners are charged no interest on their mortgage
Habitat makes no profit on the sale

Local Funding
Funding comes from individuals, churches, corporations, and private foundations.

History  and  Organization
Incorporated in 1985, Longview Habitat is one of more than 80 affiliates in Texas, and 1700 affiliates in the United States.  Each affiliate is independent, operating under its own by-laws and board of directors.  The board is representative of the entire Longview community and over sees the work of the affiliate, which is conducted by several committees.  Committees include Family Selection, Family Support, Volunteers, Development, Church Relations, Construction, and Site Selection.  A full-time paid staff consists of  Executive Director,  Assistant Director,  Construction Manager,  Family Services Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, and  ReSTORE Manager.

Since acquiring its first property in 1985, Longview Habitat has renovated 8 and built 69 new houses which provides decent and affordable homes for more than 60 adults and over 100 children.

Building efforts are currently concentrated in the Stamper Park area of Longview.

Funding Sources
Longview Habitat is a grass-roots organization which relies on support and funding from the Longview area community.  Funding comes from many sources, including:

Mortgage Payments from Homeowners
Private Foundations and Corporations
Individual and Church donations
Businesses and Civic Groups
Fundraising Events
Greater Longview United Way
Government Grants (limited to property purchases)

Longview  Habitat  Homeownership  Program
Using community volunteers, who provide labor and management expertise, and tax deductible donations of money and material, Longview Habitat builds new, affordable homes with the help of the prospective homeowners.

Family Selection is based on:

Need
Is current housing substandard? Overcrowded? Unsafe?

Low Income
30-50% of median family income (e.g. max. $21,000/yr for family of 4 )
Unable to qualify for conventional financing.

Ability to Pay
Stable employment for at least one year.
Income sufficient to pay mortgage, utilities, maintenance costs.

Partnership
Willing and able to work 350 hours of "sweat equity" labor.
Participate in Habitat training and fundraising events.

Selection process includes an Applicant Orientation meeting, obtaining and verifying application information and an in-home interview.

Construction
Lots and houses are donated or purchased. Current target area is in south Longview, generally in the area bounded by Cotton St., High St., and Eastman Rd.

New homes are 3 bedroom (appx. 1000 sq ft) or 4 bedroom (appx. 1250 sq ft), single bath, frame construction with covered porch. All electric. Central Heat and Air. Energy efficient construction is stressed.

Community volunteers and the homeowners do all work except critical, high skill work and building code-required trades.

Home Sales
No Profit: homes are sold at cost (about $51,000 for 3 BR and about $61,000 for 4 BR )
No Interest: 20-25 year mortgage with payments of about $265 per month.   Total payments (incl. taxes and insurance) are $360-$395 per month
Homeownership: Families receive a warranty deed secured by a lien note and deed of trust. They are responsible for property taxes, insurance and maintenance.

Family Support
Family Support Committee members partner with individual families to offer training and support during construction, purchase, and move-in. Provide continuing support as needed.

Homeowners Association provides education, training and support opportunities for all Habitat homeowners.