MISSION:

Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley is a non-profit organization working in partnership with the community to eliminate substandard housing in the Flathead Valley.

Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley is an ecumenical organization that builds homes with and for low-income families, using volunteer labor, donated in-kind materials, and funds raised through the generosity of our community businesses, individuals, and foundations.  The houses are then sold to qualified selected families at no-profit with a no-interest 30-year mortgage.  Just like that we had given a hand up to a family that now has a stable home environment to watch their family grow that is affordable.  

Habitat in the Flathead was born in 1989 when a small group of people saw too many families living in substandard housing situations.  Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley became the first official HFH affiliate in the state of Montana.  HFHFV was successful in building 18 homes in our first 18 years of existence.  In 2006, we adopted a new mission: Eliminate substandard housing in the Flathead Valley. HFHFV began to develop organizational procedures, policies, and controls that would enable the affiliate to grow and support a much larger number of families on a yearly basis.  In May of 2009 we will finish our 30th home built in the Flathead Valley for low income families in need.

HOW IT WORKS:

Habitat families are selected based on four criteria:

1. NEED: Families must be currently living in substandard housing.  Examples of substandard housing:
   • Present housing is unsafe or unsuitable because of problems with electricity, plumbing, heating, handicap accessibility, structure, etc...
   • There are too many people for the number of bedrooms.
   • Multiple families living under one roof.
   • Current housing costs exceed 40% of annual gross income.
2. ABILITY TO PAY: Families gross income must fall within 20-60% of the Flathead Valley median income and the family must be able to adequately cover the costs associated to homeownership.
3. WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER:  Families selected are required to complete a home buyers education course, work side by side with volunteers to complete up to 500 hours of sweat equity on Habitat homes and projects, and complete home maintenance training.
4. RESIDENT: Families must have lived in the Flathead Valley for one year.

When Completed the homes are sold to partner families with a no-interest 30-year mortgage.

HOW WE WORK:

We build simple decent homes using volunteer labor.  There is no experience necessary to be a part of our weekly builds.  Our volunteers are trained by skilled tradesman and Habitat staff.  We are proud to support our building industry and employ licensed contractors for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, excavation work, and cement work.  Every other aspect of the home is built by the amazing volunteers in our community.  We also offer many more volunteer opportunities through committees, board positions, in the office, and through donation of your skills in your industry or trade.  Not sure how you can help?  Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 406.257.8800 or habitat@aboutmontana.net for many more opportunities to help your local Habitat succeed.