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About Us

How Habitat for Humanity Works

Homes are built for families who do not qualify for conventional bank loans. Most of the labor is done by volunteers and by the families themselves. Individuals, faith groups, and businesses contribute time and materials When the home is completed, the family makes a small down payment and gets a mortgage. The mortgage covers the cost of the home, but without added interest charges. Their monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving fund (the "Fund for Humanity") that helps build homes for other families. Each homeowner is responsible for insurance, taxes, utilities, maintenance, and other standard homeowner expenses.

Each family must meet the following qualifications

• Have a housing need
• Have a job
• Be willing to accept the publicity associated with owning a Habitat home
• Have enough income to support a small mortgage, but not enough to qualify for a conventional loan
• Be willing to put in 300 hours or more of "sweat equity" on their home and on other Habitat homes

How Habitat for Humanity Helps Bonner County

• A family is able to buy an affordable home
• This family is able to live and work locally
• The materials to build the home are purchased locally
• The minimal professional service required is obtained locally

Apply for a Habitat Home

Application for Self-Build Housing Opportunity (PDF)