Frequently Asked Questions

What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity of Eagle & Lake Counties, 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.

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.

Did Jimmy Carter start Habitat?
Mr. Carter helped spread the word about Habitat's mission by volunteering with his wife, Rosalynn, on many projects around the world. For over 25 years, the Carters have led the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, a week long multi-home build held in different locations each year. For more information about the Carter Project, click here.

Who can apply for a Habitat for Humanity home?

• Permanent legal residents or U.S. Citizens.
• Families living in substandard conditions.
• Families with incomes between 25-60% of the area median income in the County where the home is built. In Eagle County, that is between $22-52k for a family of four.
• Families willing to invest 250 “sweat-equity” hours per adult in the 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 duplexes. Habitat homes are well built, low maintenance homes containing the basics but not a lot of extras. Our current homes are energy efficient LEED certified standards helping our environment as well as lowering the utility costs for the families. 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 according to the families selected. 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, Habitat for Humanity receives first right of refusal, so the home can continue to serve the program. 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 and even greater in our mountain resort areas. 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 Western Slope, and the mountain resort areas. 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. Everyone deserves a fair chance at housing. Additionally, workers essential to the health of a community – teachers, firefighters, law enforcement personnel, emergency workers, retail workers, etc. – perform better in their job when they are able to live in the communities in which they work, not to mention what the stability does to improve their children's scholastic performance. 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?

We would love to hear from you:

Habitat for Humanity of Eagle and Lake Counties
Post Office Box 4149
Avon, CO 81620
Phone: 970.748.6718
Fax: 970.748.6719
Office Location: 455 Nottingham Ranch Road, Avon, CO
Map: click here
Email: info@habitatvailvalley.org
Staff: Contact Information