Family Support Committee guides the family through entire homeownership process

As soon as a family is approved to participate with Habitat as a partner family in home building and homeownership, a support person is assigned from the Family Support Committee. This person will act as a advisor, someone who will teach, support, provide guidance, and encourage the family through the entire process of becoming a homeowner.

During the first meeting, families receive information about their responsibilities to Habitat for Humanity and what they can expect in return. This is not only an exciting time for families but also a very serious step toward homeownership and the responsibilities that it entails. The partner family selects its floor plan and house color in the first meeting with their nurturer. Later, they select lighting fixtures and floor coverings to help create a house that will become their own special home.

Each family agrees to provide 400 hours of “sweat equity” toward homeownership. A discussion of what they need to do and how it can be accomplished is the beginning of encouraging each family in this responsibility.

Education for new partner families is also an important aspect in the process of becoming a new homeowner. Our families attend several classes that help prepare them to manage their personal finances and to understand what it means to own their own home.

During the construction phase, the advisor remains in close contact with the partner family, acting as an advocate, offering support as needed, and encouraging them to become independent problem solvers. As the construction of their new home is nearing completion, the advisor helps the family prepare to occupy their new home.

After they become homeowners, there is a continuing relationship with their Habitat advisor. This may include sharing information and/or assistance in solving problems that may arise. In addition, each Habitat community is encouraged to form a homeowners’ association that is led and managed by the families living in that community.