ABOUT US FAQ'S
Find the answers to your questions about Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley.We’d love to answer your questions
Who is Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley?
Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley is a nonprofit housing organization working in Flathead County. Habitat Flathead’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat Flathead works toward our vision by building strength, stability, and self-reliance in partnership with people and families in need of a decent and affordable home.
How does Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley help families?
People in our community partner with Habitat Flathead to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat Flathead homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.
How does Habitat for Humanity homeownership work?
- Need for a decent, affordable home. Need is determined by a home evaluation with our Family Selection Committee.
- The Willingness to Partner with Habitat is investing with sweat equity, participating in financial education courses, and saving funds for upcoming closing costs.
- Ability to pay an affordable mortgage to include taxes, insurance, and possible HOA dues. The ability to pay is determined by current rent, family size, income to include public assistance, debt, and credit history.
Upon qualification, our Family Selection Committee reviews the family profile package and makes a recommendation for approval to our Board of Directors. Our families are supported throughout the process by the Habitat Family.
How do you volunteer for Habitat for Humanity?
There are many ways to volunteer. Contact our Community Engagement Department to learn how to:
- Volunteer locally
- Volunteer long-term
- Volunteer as part of a group
- Volunteer as part of a special event
Inquire today. Contact Hilary Devin, Community Engagement Coordinator at outreach@habitatflathead.org.
Does Habitat Flathead give houses away for free?
We provide the opportunity to receive a HAND-UP, not a hand-out. Houses are not given to anyone. Our homeownership program partners with families that earn 30-80% of the median income of the Flathead Valley. Qualifying applicants purchase their homes. Home purchasers must pay their closing costs and a ‘down payment’ of investing hundreds of hours of sweat equity into the program. Millard Fuller said it best: “A house is to a family what soil is to a plant. A plant needs to be rooted. A family is like that. If a family is not rooted, it will not flourish. But once a family is well-rooted, all kinds of wonderful things will begin to happen.”
Does Habitat Flathead build inferior quality homes?
We build new homes that are basic, durable, and healthy for the lowest possible cost. We focus on energy efficiency and sustainable building techniques and materials.
What is the Habitat for Humanity ReStore?
The Kalispell ReStore…For every $100 sold in furniture, building materials, flooring, etc., we can build one square foot of a child’s bedroom. The Kalispell ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Our Kalispell ReStore is owned and operated by Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley, and all proceeds go to building strength, stability, and self-reliance right here in the Flathead Valley.
What kind of donations does Habitat for Humanity accept?
Habitat depends on a variety of donations to continue moving forward with our mission. All donations: financial, construction materials, volunteer labor, ReStore donations, etc. help build decent, affordable homes for families. To learn more, see our Donation page.
How are donations distributed and used?
Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley relies on gifts from individuals, corporations, and other groups to help families in need of decent and affordable homes. All donations of any amount are deeply appreciated.
Is Habitat for Humanity a Christian organization?
Yes, we are a nonprofit Christian housing organization. All who desire to be a part of this work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background. We build with people in need regardless of race or religion. We welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds.
Are Habitat Flathead homes a burden to taxpayers and reduce property values in the neighborhood?
Housing studies in the United States and Canada show affordable housing has no adverse effect on other neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat houses have increased property values and local government tax income. Habitat homes infuse the community with positive benefits throughout the entire life cycle of the home. Each new build provides local jobs and uses locally sourced materials whenever possible. Habitat homeowners contribute to the local economy. The generosity of our local partners and community organizations do more than help build homes, they contribute to the improved wellness and vitality of entire community.
