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Habitat for Humanity - Mesa County

History:
Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County was incorporated in March 1990 by a VISTA volunteer who had been working with the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. The first local Habitat home was finished in October 1991, followed by two more homes in 1992. A local benefactor donated several lots, resulting in four more homes being built in 1993. Since the Affiliate's inception in 1990, volunteers have built 33 homes throughout the Grand Valley, with two more homes slated for completion within the next three months. By partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County, 43 adults and 57 children no longer face living in substandard housing.

The most recent projects for the Affiliate are Camelot Gardens I and II, which offer nearly 20 building sites in Grand Junction. The Affiliate is also developing an 8+ parcel in the Pear Park area. It is anticipated this subdivision will yield nearly 50 building sites.

The Program
Habitat works in partnership with low-income families in Mesa County by creating a hand up opportunity for housing. The families selected invest at least 500 hours of "sweat equity" in partnership with the work of Habitat, pay a minimum down payment, and a monthly mortgage payment. Only new materials are used in the construction of Habitat homes, some of which are donated; the rest are purchased with donated funds. All additional monies go into a revolving fund for additional construction of Habitat homes.

Habitat homes, which average 1,050 square feet, are constructed with the help of candidate families and volunteers. Volunteer coordination and funding are administrated by the Affiliate Board of Directors. It manages the Resource Development, Family Selection and Support, Site Selection, Public Relations, Volunteer, and Construction committees.

Mortgage payments from Habitat homeowners, along with donations from local businesses, churches and foundations, and individuals fund the program. Without local supporters such as RE/MAX 4000, Inc., Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County could not complete its mission. The local Affiliate currently aims to build four homes a year.

For more facts about the Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County mission, please visit: www.hfhmesa.org. (...go back)