Affordable housing

We build authentic relationships with prospective residents in the classes we teach. When a student is qualified for a house by demonstrating their ability to manage their household budget, and other requirements, resulting in their nomination by their mentor, we will determine the family’s needs and try to match these needs with a house in the neighborhood. When a match is found, we find a way to pay for the renovation which, in some cases, requires as much as $50,000. In some cases we pay for the renovation with a loan which we commit to repay knowing that the rent payment makes this possible.

Having a financial stake in the family’s development, we are more intentional about addressing any lateness or failure to pay as soon as it happens. In the worst cases, we may be forced to evict families who may not be able to learn the importance of financial responsibility any other way. If we did not need to collect the rent, we may be more inclined to forgive lost rent payments as a gift to the family.  When we are able to use gifts to pay our bills rather than work and responsible stewardship, we all learn quickly to depend on this.  A ministry that creates this kind of dependency is not really helping the families they serve. In fact, without meaning to, their actions are an affront to the dignity of these families.  Relationships can not survive this in the long term.

Every home we acquire is completely renovated starting with the removal of all wall boards to expose bare studs. This facilitates the replacement of termite damage and the installation of new wiring, plumbing and HVAC ductwork.  Damaged flooring is removed to determine the stability of floor joists.  Walls are moved in many homes to give the home a more contemporary design.  Master suites and great rooms with eat-in kitchens are created, if possible.  Every home receives new kitchen and laundry room appliances including microwaves and dishwashers.  Extra time and money are invested to make sure the home is as solid and livable as any house we would build for ourselves. “Good enough” is unacceptable if we hope to show our love and gain our neighbor’s trust. Families are invited to help choose colors, fixtures and flooring types. It is built into our ministry plan to sell each home we renovate to families who have learned how to qualify for a mortgage.  

For an answer to the often-asked question, “Why don’t you tear these houses down and build new ones?” - please see our Introduction.