Founded: 1988
Number of homes built: 60+
Vision
Our vision at Habitat for Humanity of Berks County is to be among the major housing leaders in our community for neighborhood revitalization by providing affordable housing and home ownership opportunities for our client families.
Mission
Habitat for Humanity of Berks County (HFHBC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that believes all people deserve a decent life and the power to build their own futures. HFHBC exists to create affordable home ownership opportunities for moderate income families. Families who purchase Habitat for Humanity homes must contribute 300 hours of “sweat-equity”. We rely on volunteers and families contributing sweat-equity for the un-skilled labor needed to build the homes. Working in this way, we believe we provide families a “hand-up” rather than a “hand-out”, while also providing a way for people to assist hard-working families in our community.
Core Values
- Providing families with a decent place to live
- Neighborhood revitalization via home ownership
- Excellence in home construction and volunteer experiences
- Inclusion and diversity
- Respect and gratitude for those who give and those who receive
- Collaboration
- Environmental and financial sustainability
History
Habitat for Humanity of Berks County was founded in 1988 and has completed 60 projects with the help of its donors, volunteers, staff and Board of Directors.
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
- How are the families and individuals selected?
Families and individuals are selected based on income, willingness to partner with Habitat, and need. - Is this for first-time homeowners?
Yes, our program is a first-time home buyer program. - Are families given a house outright?
No, families and individuals provide 300 hours of “sweat equity,” which includes 75 hours of classroom education. At the end of a 12-14 month period, the family signs a 30-year affordable mortgage. - Are there requirements?
Yes, individuals and families must be within 30 to 80 percent of the area median income (around an average of $45,000 a year for a family of four). They also must be willing to partner with Habitat and must demonstrate need, such as high cost of rent, cramped living conditions or other issues with their current living situation. - What do families have to do to qualify?
They must meet income requirements, show a willingness to partner, and demonstrate need. - How does the Habitat program benefit the community?
Homeownership has a positive impact on the community in many ways. Habitat also revitalizes dilapidated homes and improves neighborhoods through “cluster builds.”
Did you know?
- Habitat for Humanity of Berks County has been in Berks County since 1988.
- Over 1200 volunteers participate in Habitat for Humanity of Berks County in all kinds of build projects and at the ReStore.
- Habitat for Humanity of Berks County is a 501(c)3 is a non-profit non-governmental organization.
- ReStore (our furniture store) is a funding source for Habitat for Humanity of Berks County. Donations are accepted year-round!
- 76% reduction of welfare by Habitat homeowners.
- 91% felt more positive about their future.
- 88% of Habitat homeowners feel better about their children’s future.