Established in 1984 by a group of volunteers with a passion to help low-income families achieve homeownership, THFH does not offer a house-give-away program. Rather, qualifying families must have a stable income but live 60% below the Area Median Income. They must also commit to 200 volunteer hours with our organization which includes financial literacy education provided by another THFH partner non-profit, Housing and Consumer Credit, Inc. In addition to serving low-income families with opportunity for homeownership, THFH also serves local high school students in the form of valuable workforce training. Students in partner high schools build the Habitat homes over the course of a school year as part of earning academic credit toward high school graduation. Each THFH home costs approximately $85,000. Mortgage payments do not exceed $700 and are of an interest free loan. Homeowners rapidly acquire equity in their homes and pay off loans in an average of 20 to 25 years. Most THFH homes are single family homes with children, including 67% single-parent homes and 80% belonging to those of diverse ethnic backgrounds. The three homes built by the high school students bring the annual number of families served by THFH to three. Since 2010, THFH has undergone a transition from a board-run organization to a staff-run organization which has enabled the organization to expand its budget from $150,000 in 2009 to $725,000 in 2013. Full-time THFH staff includes two persons: executive director and development manager. Part time staff includes two persons: administrative assistant and construction manager. THFH also hosts three AmeriCorps VISTAs whom serve as volunteer coordinator, community relations manager and ReStore supervisor.
