FAQ

A typical Palouse HFH home is a single-story, 1200 sq. ft, 2-4 bedroom home to accommodate family size. Roofs feature architectural shingles and a covered front porch.

Homes are built to a “visitability” standard, with wide hallways, doorways, and one bathroom which could accommodate a wheelchair. We also build with zero-step entrances as lot design allows.

We usually install electric forced air furnaces or mini split systems as well as electric heat pump water heaters. We include low E windows and high R-value insulation to make future utility bills as affordable as possible.

Appliances, including the refrigerator, range, microwave, dishwasher, clothes washer, and dryer, are often donated.

There will be an 8×8 exterior shed for storage unless the neighborhood zoning requires a garage.

Palouse HFH does not build “custom” homes with high-end fixtures or finishings. However, within the budget options, homeowners can choose the color of flooring, shingles, cabinets, countertops, and exterior paint.

We do build to fit the homeowner’s needs. For those requiring a wheelchair for their mobility, we install roll-in showers and ensure the house meets accessibility standards. For larger families, we can add bedrooms depending on the ages and genders of the children.

The Habitat Homeownership program is not for a free house but for an affordable mortgage. So our families do pay for their homes, and they also work hard for them by performing sweat equity. Learn more on our Apply page.

The primary criteria for a Habitat home are the ability to pay, the need for housing, and the willingness to partner.

Palouse Habitat for Humanity is an Equal Opportunity Lender and a Fair Housing organization. We follow all Equal Opportunity Lending and Fair Housing laws and do not discriminate based on race, religion, nation of origin, gender, sexual orientation, family status, marital status, or any other protected class. All households; whether families with children, without children, or single individuals; are encouraged to apply.

We do not discriminate based on religion – people of any faith (or none) are welcome to apply. We do not proselytize. Homeowners will not be required, implied, or suggested to adhere or convert to any particular faith, nor will they have to listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to any particular faith. Additionally, we do not work with entities or individuals who wish to proselytize while working with us.

Our Homeowner Selection Committee is prepared to work with households at various levels of preparedness for homeownership, and we encourage those with the dream of ownership to apply.

It takes Palouse HFH about 10 months from start to finish. We typically build 3 days a week, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, about 6 hours a day.

All homes built by Habitat must not only meet or surpass every building code in the communities we build in but also match the size and quality of surrounding homes. We build quality, attractive, simple, modern homes. All homes must pass stringent inspections by city or county inspectors.

While volunteers do the majority of work on the homes, all volunteers are trained and supervised by a Habitat Construction Supervisor. In addition, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and other skilled work is done by licensed professionals. The results are homes that meet or exceed all codes and standards of the area.

Payments are very affordable. Mortgage payments (principal, taxes, and insurance) are 20-30% of total household income. More info about this mortgage is available on the Apply page.

The future Habitat Homeowner also contributes $1000 over the course of the home build to cover a portion of the closing costs. The rest of the closing costs are rolled into the mortgage, along with the first year of homeowners insurance and property taxes, making entry into homeownership easy.

It takes a lot of hard work and commitment for families to buy a Habitat home. To begin the application process, families must demonstrate their ability to pay a mortgage and manage their finances. Once a family is accepted into the program, they contribute sweat equity hours and sometimes are asked to meet additional requirements such as attending homebuyer education or financial classes. These steps can take over a year to complete depending on the family’s situation. Every day, Habitat homebuyers are working diligently to become homeowners.

Between 200-250 volunteers from the community help build each home.

Some come regularly and make up the self-named “Codger Crew.” The Codgers are men and women of all ages who make Habitat building a regular part of their schedule.

Some come once a month or once a year. They might be a single individual from the community or a group from a local business, church, or service organization.

Click here to learn more about volunteering!

Funds used to build in Latah and Whitman Counties are raised locally by Palouse Habitat for Humanity and received from federal and state sources. Funds come from the Palouse Habitat ReStore, the annual signature fundraiser dinner and auction Beans ‘n’ Jeans, regular Cornerstone Donors, and other gifts.

Habitat was started in 1976 in Americus, GA., by the late Millard Fuller and his wife, Linda. Millard was an Atlanta-based businessman who recognized the need for a life of meaning and discovered the integrated, affordable housing community at Koinonia Farms. Habitat for Humanity grew from his interactions at Koinonia.

President Carter and his late wife Rosalynn (whose home is eight miles from Americus, in Plains, GA.) have been longtime Habitat supporters and volunteers who help bring national and international attention to the organization’s home-building work. Each year, they have led the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project to help build houses and raise awareness of the need for affordable housing.

Other famous Habitat supporters include consumer expert Clark Howard, country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, and The Property Brothers Jonathan and Drew Scott.

Local Habitat affiliates are independent, nonprofit organizations that operate within a specific service area within the framework of the Habitat Affiliate Covenant. Each affiliate focuses its building, repair, and fundraising efforts within its service area. Affiliates tithe a percentage of donations to support the global housing efforts of Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat International shares branding, marketing, and research with local affiliates to help them achieve their goals but exercises no direct authority over local affiliates.

Locally, Palouse HFH operates with a 12-15 member Board of Directors who set the direction for the organization, establish policies, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local law. A small (around seven members) staff conducts day-to-day operations.

Funds to build homes come from the annual fundraiser Beans ‘n’ Jeans, the Surplus Sale, and mortgage payments from current Habitat homeowners.

Habitat homeowners are chosen without regard to race, religion, or ethnic group, in keeping with U.S. law and Habitat’s beliefs that God’s love extends to everyone. Habitat also welcomes volunteers from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace Habitat’s goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world.

We do not proselytize. Homeowners and volunteers will not be required, implied, or suggested to adhere or convert to any particular faith, nor will they have to listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to any particular faith. Additionally, we do not work with entities or individuals who wish to proselytize while working with us.

Numerous studies have shown that affordable housing has no adverse effects on a community’s property values. Habitat ensures that our homes are well-built and fit in with the rest of the neighborhood.

Making safe, stable, affordable housing available to everyone is a huge issue. However, Habitat believes that by continuing to build more homes by partnering with other committed groups, developing new partnerships and innovative approaches, and putting poverty housing in the hearts and minds of compassionate people everywhere, the problem can be solved.

Palouse Habitat for Humanity is an independent organization overseen by a board of directors and governed by its own policies. If you have a complaint, please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss the issue or concern.

If you believe your concern cannot be adequately addressed or resolved by the affiliate, or if your concern relates to Palouse Habitat for Humanity leadership (board president or executive director), notify Habitat for Humanity International by following the process outlined on Habitat.org.

Didn’t answer your question or didn’t see your question here? Contact the Habitat office or use the phone numbers below.