STRONG AND STABLE HOMES HELP BUILD STRONG AND STABLE FAMILIES
Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1988. Since then, the number of homes built is well over sixty and still rising. 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.
OUR 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
THE IMPACT
Homeownership: Did You Know?
- 90% of surveyed Habitat home-owners in 44 cities said they could not have owned a home without help from Habitat.
- Research shows lower teen pregnancy rates, better test scores and higher high school graduation rates for children of homeowners.
- Children of homeowners are more likely to graduate from college compared with children in families who do not own their homes.
- Surveys of Habitat homeowners show improved grades, better financial health and parents who are more sure that they can meet their families’ needs.
- Homeowners are more likely to be involved in community civic engagements, local elections, and volunteer work compared to renters.
Dueno de Popiedad: Sabia Usted?
- 90% delos prpietarios do Habitat en 44 ciudades de Estados Unidos dijo que no podrian obtener su propiedad sin ayuda de Habitat
- Investigaciones muestran menores rasa de embarazo adoescente, mejores puntajes y mayores tasa de graduacion de la escuela secundaria para los hijos de los propietarios
- Los ninos de los propietarios con mas probabilidades de graduarse de la Universidad en comparacion con los ninos de familias que no possen sus hogares
- Los propietarios de muestran grados mejardos, major salud financiera y padre que mas seguros que pueben cubrir las necesidades de sus familias
- Los propiertos tienenmas probabilidades de involucrarse en compromisos civico compromisos, elecciones locales y trabajo voluntario en comparacion con los inquilinos.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF
Habitat for Humanity of Berks County’s Board of Directors and staff are working together to reinvent the strategic-planning behind the organization.
With a Board of Directors composed of professionals with diverse backgrounds, we are formulating a plan to raise funds together and positively impact HFHBC’s financial support and awareness in the community.
FAQs
What is Habitat for Humanity of Berks County?
Habitat for Humanity of Berks County is a nonprofit organization focused on providing moderate-income families with a decent, safe, and affordable place to live.
Does Habitat give away homes?
No, Habitat homeowners purchase their homes at market value. In addition, families and individuals provide 200 hours of sweat equity, which includes up to 50 hours of classroom education. At the end of a 12 to 14 month period, the family signs a 30-year affordable mortgage.
Can Habitat for Humanity of Berks County fix my existing home?
Critical repair of currently owned homes is not in the scope of our current work. Contact 211 for help finding an appropriate organization.
What are the criteria for becoming a Habitat Berks homeowner?
Review the guideline on the “Own a Home” page.
How are the families and individuals selected?
Families and individuals complete an extensive application and are selected based on income, willingness to partner with Habitat, and need. Selections are determined by a volunteer-run family selection committee.
What happens when I’m picked for the Habitat program?
You will be notified by both phone and letter and asked to schedule an orientation session with the Director of Family Services.
When can I start my sweat equity hours?
You may begin your 200 sweat equity hours as soon as you are notified that you’ve been accepted into the program. Hours are scheduled through the Director of Family Services.
How long does the process take?
The entire process from application to house dedication typically takes between 18 and 24 months, but much of the timing depends on the completeness of the initial application is and how quickly the homeowner completes their sweat equity hours.
How much do the houses cost?
Habitat Berks homes are sold at market value and are purchased through low-interest, 30-year mortgages. Mortgage payments vary depending on the size of the house and will also be affected by the cost of real estate taxes and homeowners insurance. With rare exceptions, we are able to place our homeowners into homes that cost less than or equal to the amount they are paying in rent.
Who can volunteer with Habitat Berks?
Habitat Berks welcomes individuals and groups to work at our ReStore, on our construction sites, or in the office. Our greatest need for volunteers is always at our ReStore. You must be at least 18 to volunteer on a construction site. We welcome individuals as young as 16 to volunteer at our ReStore.
How long does the process take?
The entire process from application to house dedication typically takes between 18 and 24 months, but much of the timing depends on the completeness of the initial application is and how quickly the homeowner completes their sweat equity hours.
Here for You
Affiliate Office
201 Washington Street
Suite 329
Reading, PA 19602
Phone
Hours
Saturday & Sunday Closed
Get In Touch
Habitat for Humanity of Berks County serves people earning a modest wage and pursuing a more prosperous life.