About Us

Holmes County Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. Habitat for Humanity of Holmes County is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all.

OUR HISTORY

Holmes County Habitat for Humanity was affiliated in September of 1995 with the mission of building simple, decent, and affordable houses for people, in Holmes County, who are living in sub-standard housing or unable to secure adequate housing by conventional means. Through 2020, the Holmes County affiliate has built 37 homes. Holmes County Habitat is generating more than $44,000 in real estate taxes per year in Holmes County. Holmes County Habitat is the only non-profit provider of owner-occupied housing for low-income families in our service area and is well known in the community. It creates partnerships with individuals, churches, businesses, and foundations. In a recent county-wide survey, it was determined that there are more than 200 houses rated as sub-standard based on Habitat for Humanity International criteria.

Habitat's goal is to provide hard-working individuals and families in Holmes County, with the knowledge and opportunity to purchase a decent, affordable home. That is what we have done for the past 25 years and continue to do every day. Each ground breaking and home dedication marks another step toward more affordable housing in Holmes County. The work has proven to be successful and we are proud to partner with volunteers, donors, families, businesses, and organizations – people like you.

ALL ARE WELCOME

Habitat for Humanity of Holmes County has an open-door policy: All who believe that everyone needs a decent, affordable place to live are welcome to help with the work, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, political views or any of the other distinctions that too often divide people. In short, Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and also serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion.

As a matter of policy, Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations do not proselytize. This means that Habitat will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must either adhere to or convert to a particular faith, or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.

We are an interfaith community

Holmes County Habitat builds not only houses but also community. As an interfaith organization, we recognize the power of bridging gaps through common principles. Our communities include people of many religious traditions, who all share the desire to understand and support one another and have set aside their differences to work together toward a common goal. We not only welcome but invite difference as a means to make a change in our hearts and neighborhoods.

THE HABITAT MODEL

At Habitat for Humanity, we do more than build houses. We partner with homebuyers, volunteers, donors, businesses, and community organizations to transform lives and rebuild communities. Through the Financial Planning classes and their investment in sweat equity hours, homeowners learn the skills necessary to successfully own and maintain a home for the rest of their lives. These individual homeowners become part of a larger group that works to bring change and new life to communities. Through community planning and neighborhood engagement, Holmes County Habitat encourages the growth of healthy communities throughout Holmes County.

Holmes County Habitat's Home-Buyer program is based on three specific criteria:

the ability to pay
the need for decent housing
the willingness to partner

Houses are sold at an affordable, no-profit rate with no-interest mortgages to qualified home-buyers who earn 30% of the area's median income. By investing a minimum of 200 sweat equity hours, future homeowners play an integral role in the building of Habitat homes. Home-buyers are also required to complete training focused on financial literacy.

But the work doesn’t stop there. The Habitat model works to transform the community as a whole. Throughout the planning and construction phases, Holmes County Habitat representatives work with local organizations to stay connected. Homeowners are also encouraged to engage with community organizations to continue to improve the neighborhood for years to come.

The need for affordable housing and better communities is real and the impact of this model is remarkable. With the investment in their home, home-buyers improve their financial standing and provide stability for their family. As a result, children perform better in school, families feel safer, and neighborhoods improve.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INTERNATIONAL

Habitat for Humanity International provides guidance to local Habitat affiliates. Each affiliate operates as a community-level organization serving specific geographic regions on behalf of Habitat International. As a local Habitat affiliate, Holmes County Habitat for Humanity independently manages all aspects of the Habitat process, including finances and fundraising, construction, partner family selection and programs. Holmes County Habitat for Humanity is one of 1,500+ affiliates across the United States, with another 80 affiliates around the world. Together, we continuously strive to support the mission and create a world in which everyone has a decent place to live.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Through our tithe, more than 10 homes have been built in Honduras and Romania.

Through our tithe, more than 10 homes have been built in Honduras and Romania.
Habitat of Humanity of Holmes County was affiliated in September of 1995.