Habitat for Humanity of Lebanon County (HFHLC), an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, is dedicated to providing simple, decent, safe, and affordable housing to low-income families. Since their beginning in Lebanon County, HFHLC has renovated or built 39 homes for families that fall below 60% of the median income (currently less than $38,820 for a family of 4 in Lebanon County). These 30 plus houses represent over 40 adults and 60 children that are now living in a simple, decent, safe and affordable home. The program is not a hand-out but a hand-up as families are required to partner with HFHLC in two ways: 1) They must be willing to put more than 200 hours of sweat equity (or volunteer labor) into the building or renovations of their own home or the home of someone else that will be receiving an HFHLC home. 2) The family must agree to pay back the cost of the home via a 20 to 30 year no interest mortgage. Families that are accepted into the program must also attend first time homebuyer’s classes, receive financial counseling, and are mentored through the process of eventual home ownership.
In 2013, Habitat for Humanity of Lebanon County received a $3,000 grant from the Family & Children’s Services fund of Lebanon County, a fund of TFEC’s, towards the cost of a complete renovation. A house located in Lebanon was donated to HFHLC after it was damaged in a fire; the 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home was completely updated for a new family. The grant provided funds to purchase materials for the renovation. Volunteers stripped the house of fire and smoke damage, installed new framing, a new roof, new electrical, new plumbing, and new insulation. The house also received new drywall, trim, and a fresh coat of paint. The updates will allow the new owners to live for 8-10 years with no major home expenses. The house will become a home for a family earning less than 60% of the median income; the new owners must be able to payback a no interest mortgage, make ongoing tax and utility payments, as well as fulfill any other obligations. Since receiving funding for this project, it has been completed and the family now lives in their newly renovated home.
For more information on Habitat for Humanity of Lebanon County, visit www.habitatlebanon.org.
About the Family & Children’s Services Fund of Lebanon County
The Family & Children’s Services Fund of Lebanon County makes grants to social service agencies in support of projects which serve families and children. Organizations must serve Lebanon County. The Family & Children’s Services fund grants once per year with a deadline in mid-April.
Click here for more information on this and other grant opportunities available through TFEC.
