Q) How do I become a member of the K-State Habitat for Humanity Chapter?

A) You must attend 2 general meetings per semester, Participate in Row for Humanity, and help with either a Work Day or help with ReStore.

Q) What does Habitat for Humanity do?

A) We are a non-profit organization that builds houses for individuals and families within our community who are need of decent affordable housing. Our homebuyers sign a 20 year interest free mortgage and typically pay back a total of $40,000- $44,000.

Q) How did Habitat for Humanity start in Manhattan?

A) A group of concerned citizens began meeting to attempt to solve the problem of inadequate housing in the Manhattan and Riley county area. Habitat for Humanity became affiliated in Manhattan in 1994.

Q) How can someone become a homeowner?

A) Applications are accepted by the Manhattan Area Habitat office for a six week period approximately once per year. In order to qualify, the family must meet three criteria: the ability to pay back a no interest 20-year mortgage, a need for adequate housing, and willingness to partner with our organization and fulfill the sweat equity requirements.

Q) What is sweat equity?

A) Sweat equity is the term used for the amount of hours the family puts into the construction of their home and other volunteer opportunities within our organization.

Q) When do you build?

A) We currently only build on Saturdays. As our capacity increases, we would like to add additional work days.

Q) How much of my donation actually goes into the construction of the homes?

A) 100% of your donation goes to build homes for families!

Q) How is construction of the homes funded?

A) We hold various fundraisers throughout the year. Currently, our largest events include Chocolate and Tea at Three in the spring, Row for Humanity in late winter, and Any Given Sunday in early fall. We also receive support from individuals through a campaign called Builder’s Club. Each time we break ground on a new home we request a pledge from our Builder’s Club members. Foundation Partners is a program in which local businesses donate financially or new materials to our efforts.

Q) Do you build homes with any used materials?

A) No, we do not put used materials in our homes. Our affiliate has made a commitment to our homebuyers that we will only use new materials in the homes that we build! We do accept most gently used materials for resale in our ReStore program.

Q) Do Habitat homebuyers receive a free home?

A) No, the homebuyers purchase the home from our organization –and take on responsibilities very much like any other homebuyer. Each homebuyer signs an interest-free mortgage and makes a payment of approximately $350-450 each month. Habitat homebuyers pay their own property tax and homeowner's insurance.