Habitat for Humanity – Saint Louis Habitat for Humanity – Saint Louis Donate
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providing for those in need.

so much more than
homes.

Safe, affordable housing is the bedrock of a family’s economic and social stability. Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis provides an opportunity for families living in substandard rental housing with the opportunity to help build and then purchase a home they can afford to maintain.

we all rise
together.

Did you know that half of renters in the St. Louis region are cost burdened? Too many people in our community spend a disproportionate amount of their income on rent, leaving little left over for child care, medical needs, and education. Statistics show that more than half of all St. Louis rental units are occupied by people who pay more than 30% of their income toward rent. Often they may live in overcrowded, unhealthy, often dangerous conditions. It’s no wonder that we receive over 5,000 calls a year from people interested in homeownership.

challenging conventional
ideas.

Habitat for Humanity is an often misunderstood organization. How is it funded? Who purchases the homes we build? How does it affect the community in which we all live? Click on some of the myths below to learn the truth about many common misconceptions about Habitat for Humanity.

Myth:
Habitat for Humanity gives houses away to poor people.
Fact:
Habitat for Humanity offers a homeownership opportunity to families living between 25 - 50% of the area median income, who are generally unable to obtain conventional house financing. In addition to purchasing their home and paying an affordable mortgage, partner homeowners contribute 350 hours of "sweat equity" on the construction of their home or another Habitat Saint Louis home and taking educational courses to help them succeed at owning a home.
Myth:
Habitat for Humanity International funds Habitat Saint Louis.
Fact:
Less than 5% of Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis’s operating budget comes from Habitat International and the remaining 95% must be raised locally. If you make a donation to Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis the money stays local and builds local.
Myth:
Habitat houses reduce property values in a neighborhood.
Fact:
Housing studies in the United States and Canada show affordable housing has no adverse effect on other neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat houses often increase property values and local government tax income as well as inspire neighborhoods to make improvements.
Myth:
Only certain groups of people qualify for Habitat homes.
Fact:
Habitat Saint Louis builds houses in partnership with those with a demonstrated need who are willing to partner with Habitat, and have the ability to pay an affordable mortgage. Habitat Saint Louis does not discriminate based on race, religion, nation of origin, gender, sexual orientation, family status, marital status or any other protected class in accordance with all Equal Opportunity Lending and Fair Housing laws.
Myth:
Habitat builds cheap houses.
Fact:
Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis builds affordable, decent housing in the most cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally responsible way. Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis is very proud of its efforts and best practices using a holistic approach to building an energy efficient and sustainable home for the homebuyer, the community, and the environment. Since 2008, all new Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis homes have been built to LEED Platinum Standards or higher. We build homes that will serve generations to come.