What is Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Teton Area?
We are a non-profit, ecumenical Christian organization that works in partnership with families-in-need to create simple, decent home ownership opportunities in Teton County. In 1995, Habitat for Humanity International recognized us as an affiliate serving Teton County, Wyoming and Teton County, Idaho. Since then, HFHGTA has built 23 homes in Teton County, WY, and has 4 more under construction. The homes are sold to partner families at no profit with a 0% interest mortgage.
How Does Habitat Work?
Partnerships are crucial to the operation of Habitat for Humanity. Our partner families work with us closely, investing 500 hours of their own labor (or “sweat-equity”) in building their homes and those of their neighbors. When the home is complete, it is sold at no profit to our partner family with a 0% mortgage that is held by us. Volunteer partners do approximately 80% of the work on Habitat homes. Each year, thousands of volunteers from churches, youth groups, colleges, corporations and civic organizations give their time and energy to build Habitat homes.
How much does a Habitat house cost?
Habitat homes are affordable primarily because there is no interest charged on the mortgage, so it is more instructive to focus on monthly payment rather than the house cost. Currently, our total house payments, including taxes and insurance, and homeowner’s dues range from $500 to $650. House costs range from $100,000 to $125,000. The Greater Teton Area Habitat sells all of its homes at no profit and provides 0% interest mortgage financing.
How are families selected?
Families are selected by a Family Selection Committee made up of local volunteers. Partner families are chosen based on financial need, current housing situation, willingness to partner with Habitat, and ability to pay back the mortgage loan. Habitat for Humanity homes are available to all who meet the aforementioned criteria, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.
Who controls and manages Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Teton Area (HFHGTA)?
HFHGTA is locally controlled by a volunteer Board of Directors, who in turn appoint an Executive Director to manage day-to-day operations. We currently employ seven paid full time staff - they include our Executive Director, Assistant Director, Volunteer and Marketing Manager, ReStore Manager, ReStore Associate, Lead Carpenter, and Construction Manager. We also employ part-time ReStore Associates, an Office Manager, and a Construction Site Intern. Volunteers staff the Family Selection and Support, Finance, DIGS, Dream Builders, Construction, and Resource Development committees that oversee the various functions of HFHGTA.
Are Habitat Homes Government Funded?
Habitat for Humanity relies primarily on private donations for home building and operating expenses. However, federal, state, county and town funds are often used for land and infrastructure.
How Can I Become a Volunteer for Habitat?
Volunteers are always needed on the construction site, in the ReStore, on committees and in the office. For more information, call 734-0828 or email us at volunteer@tetonhabitat.org
