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- EIN 25-1529652
- info@pittsburghhabitat.org
- 412-466-6719
- 1 Library Place Suite 107 Duquesne PA 15110 USA
- www.pittsburghhabitat.org
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Homeless & Housing, Housing Development, Construction & Management
Mission: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh (previously Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity) is dedicated to the elimination of substandard housing in Allegheny County. Since 1986, it has provided affordable homeownership to more than 60 low-income families. Pittsburgh Habitat works in partnership with people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities by building and renovating houses so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which people can live and grow. We are an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat for Humanity has been ranked as the largest private homebuilder in the United States and the 11th largest overall homebuilder according to Builder magazine‘s 2008 Builder 100 list. Habitat for Humanity affiliates built 5,421 houses in the United States in 2008. Habitat invites people from all faiths to work together in partnership, building houses with families in need. We serve those in our community who earn between 30% - 50% of the area''s median income, purchasing volunteer-built homes through our zero-interest mortgage program. This ambitious mission is made manageable by the efforts of our volunteers, a key component of our house construction. Volunteers not only get to meet the family as they work together to construct a house, they gain homebuilding and maintenance skills to take away from the construction site. Quite simply, we build homes with HEART. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh does not receive direct funding from Habitat International. Donors who wish to support our local construction efforts are encouraged to donate directly to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh. There are other Habitat affiliates in Southwestern Pennsylvania with their own service territories. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh solicits funds, volunteer labor, and program families in the greater Pittsburgh area, including Allegheny County. Surrounding affiliates (Beaver County, Butler County, Central Westmoreland County, Washington County, and Allegheny Valley) solicit funds, volunteers, and families in their selective service territories.
Results: Nearly 60 homes have been built or rennovated in Pittsburgh since 1986 in Braddock, Homestead, East Liberty, Wilkinsburg, the Hill District, Etna, Duquesne, and Homestead.
Target demographics: Low-income households in need of affordable housing in Pittsburgh and all of Allegheny County. Those earning between 30-50% of the area’s median income qualify. Fair Housing regulations apply.
Direct beneficiaries per year: Average of six program families per year.
Geographic areas served: Allegheny County and Metro Pittsburgh
Programs:
Pittsburgh Habitat's Homebuilding Program is not a hand-out, but a hand up for low-income families to create a better life. We accomplish this by allowing families to build their house alongside scores of volunteers, and then purchase it through a no-interest mortgage financed and held by Habitat. The average mortgage for a 3-bedroom house is $450/month – which includes insurance and tax escrow. Mortgage payments are then recycled to provide homes to other families in need.
Families gain further cost savings by earning “Sweat Equity” (time in lieu of a cash down-payment). Sweat Equity includes 350 hours of labor at house construction sites, which helps families learn to maintain their new home and fosters a sense of pride, accomplishment, and responsibility to their community. They must also participate in Habitat’s “Smart Start” homeownership education course. Classes cover the homebuying process, the value of good credit, predatory lending and home maintenance.