Habitat For Humanity International

Programs: Construction: in fiscal year 2017, habitat for humanity seattle-king county (habitat skc) accomplished 62 housing solutions for low-income families. Locally, 10 families moved into new or renovated homes in renton and snoqualmie, and 30 families received repairs on their homes in seattle, renton, white center and federal way. In addition, 22 homes were built globally through habitat's tithing program, to which habitat skc contributes $100k annually to support safe, healthy, decent affordable housing internationally. 2,105 individuals volunteered 4,392 times and were filled and managed by staff. High impact volunteers contributed 23,587 hours building new homes, renovating existing ones, making critical repairs for low-income families across king county. In addition to building and repairing homes, these volunteers provided support in administrative functions, retail habitat store activities and various leadership task force teams. Over this past year habitat engaged 104 businesses, 14 faith groups, 30 civic groups and 17 schools to support habitat skc and the mission of affordable housing.

habitat stores: operating two habitat stores, in bellevue and tukwila, provided an outlet for manufacturers, contractors and individuals to donate surplus building materials and home furnishings for resale, thus diverting 737 tons of materials from landfills in fy2017. These products were made available to the public and other associated affordable housing providers. The utilization of online tools (donation system, website, facebook and positive google review ratings) has helped to increase inventory volumes and sales.

homeowner services and community engagement: across king county, 3,500 families were informed about affordable housing options and/or referred to partner organizations. Habitat skc provided homeowner information and orientation meetings which were attended by 377 prospective families. Habitat skc homebuyers were prepared for successful long-term homeownership through a comprehensive education program attended by 129 people in classes teaching budgeting, financial management, conflict resolution, home maintenance, disaster preparedness, green living, construction skills and others. Each habitat homebuyer also invests up to 250 hours of sweat equity making them true partners in our work, instilling pride of ownership and confidence to meet the ongoing responsibilities of homeownership. Habitat seattle king county is profoundly proud that its foreclosure rate remains exceptionally low at less than 2%. In recognition of habitat skc's overall operating excellence, habitat for humanity international designated habitat skc as an affiliate of distinction, one of only 7 affiliates amongst 1400 nationally to receive this honor for two consecutive 2-year periods. Additionally, habitat skc was once again awarded the highest charity navigator rating, 4 stars. 103 habitat skc families were interviewed in order to learn more about their stories, goals and achievements, and experience with habitat. 89% of them reported that their overall quality of life had improved since becoming a habitat homeowner; 78% reported improvements for their health; 77% reported increased safety in their living conditions; 76% reported better overall financial security; 83% reported feeling an increased sense of security about their futures. These stories are helpful in demonstrating the importance of habitat's work. Community engagement, a key strategy of the habitat model, secures neighborhood commitment and nurtures the civic engagement essential to a healthy community. Habitat incorporates volunteers on a scale unique in the affordable housing sector, and recognizes that bringing together a diverse cross-section of the community on a project of shared significance builds enduring social capital and helps each participant understand the systems change needed to alleviate poverty and increase awareness of the growing need for affordable housing. Habitat skc staffed a total of 185 community events, engaging over 6,000 individuals throughout king county, encouraging them to get involved with habitat for humanity. Neighborhood revitalization projects in rainier valley and federal way continued to thrive in fy 2017, working closely with neighbors and neighborhood coalitions, and regularly attending meetings with community groups. Habitat skc also worked with 28 veterans organization to educate local veterans about their housing options with habitat, and partnered with 4 local lgbt groups in support of the annual pride build. Affordable housing advocacy efforts in fy 2017 included the addition of advocacy pages to the habitat skc website, social media posts, blog posts, a press release and attendance at 5 housing development consortium meetings.