Since 1991, Habitat for Humanity of Utah County has served over 140 families in need of simple decent housing. Through the generous support of countless volunteers, donors and community partners, we are able to pursue our vision of eliminating poverty housing in Utah County by building, renovating and repairing homes.
(That’s the highest rating a nonprofit can get!)
Utah Valley free from poverty housing.
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Utah County helps lift people, fosters hope, and unites diverse groups to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities by building, renovating, and repairing homes.
Click each myth to see the facts.
Fact: Habitat for Humanity offers homeownership opportunities to families who are unable to obtain conventional home financing. Generally, this includes those whose income is 30 to 50 percent of the area’s median income. In most cases, prospective Habitat homeowner families make a $500 down payment. Additionally, they contribute 300 to 500 hours of “sweat equity” on the construction of their home or someone else’s home. Because Habitat houses are built using donations of land, materials and labor, mortgage payments are kept affordable.
Fact: Housing studies show affordable housing has no adverse effect on neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat houses have proven to increase property values and property tax income.
Fact: While some Habitat homeowners receive Aid to Families with Dependent Children, most are working people. Typically, their annual income is less than half the median income in their community.
Fact: Habitat homeowners are chosen without regard to race, religion or ethnic group, in keeping with U.S. law and with Habitat’s abiding belief that God’s love extends to everyone. Habitat also welcomes volunteers from all faiths, or no religion, who actively embrace Habitat’s goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world.
Fact: Local Habitat affiliates are independent organizations that operate within a specific service area within the framework of the Habitat Affiliate Covenant. Affiliates set their own operating policies based on the needs of their local community.
Fact: Habitat for Humanity is not an arm of the government. Habitat is an independent, nonprofit organization that accepts some indirect government funds and other resources to help provide houses for those in need. We accept these funds as long as they do not limit our ability to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Fact: Habitat was started in 1976 in Americus, Georgia by the late Millard Fuller and his wife, Linda Fuller. President Carter and his wife Rosalynn (whose home is eight miles from Americus, in Plains, Georgia) have been longtime Habitat supporters and volunteers who help bring national attention to the organization’s house-building work. Each year, they lead the Jimmy Carter Work Project to help build houses and raise awareness of the need for affordable housing.
Habitat for Humanity of Utah County has an open-door policy: all who believe that everyone deserves a decent, affordable place to live are welcome to be a part of the organization’s work regardless of race, religion, age, gender, politics or any other distinction that too often divides people. In short, Habitat of Utah County welcomes volunteers, supporters and potential homeowners from all backgrounds.
As a matter of policy, Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations do not proselytize. Habitat of Utah County 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 view.