Partner Family Manual Draft

2016
Partner Family Manual
Habitat for Humanity

Council Bluffs, Iowa
2016
2|Page
HFHCBPartnerFamilyManual
2016
What is Habitat for Humanity?

Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 by Millard & Linda Fuller, who
believed everyone deserved a place they could call home. They started their
journey in Americus, Georgia, where they worked in partnership with
Clarence Jordan, a theologian who founded Koinoia Farms in Americus. They
started a Fund for Humanity, which led to the beginning of the
organization. The Fullers and Jordan believed that what people needed was a
hand up, not a hand out; partners, not social workers.
Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs, Iowa (HFHCB) is an affiliate of Habitat
for Humanity International (HFHI), a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing
ministry. Habitats mission is to work in partnership with people everywhere
to eliminate substandard & overcrowded housing through affordable
homeownership.
Formed in 1993, HFHCB renovates existing homes and builds new homes for
families who do not qualify for conventional financing. It then sells these
homes to partner families through a no interest, 20 to 30-year mortgage.
Today, Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the globe have built 350,000
homes for people in need of shelter, using the Fullers simple idea.
3|Page
2016
Partnership: Working Together

Through HFHCB, you will be able to purchase a home with a zero percent
equivalent/ 20 to 30-year mortgage. We are able to sell the homes at or
below cost to our partner families due to volunteer labor, the support of the
families with whom we partner and sponsors. To achieve the partnership
goals, responsibilities are divided among the sponsoring organizations,
HFHCB and you, the partner family.
The Sponsoring Organization Contributes:
Funds and In-Kind Contributions needed to build most of the Habitat
home
Volunteers to help build the home
HFHCB Contributes:
A buildable lot for construction of a new home, building & site plans
A qualified partner family selected on the basis of need, ability to
pay & willingness to partner
Financing with a 20 to 30 year 0% equivalent mortgage
All legal work for the project
Builders insurance for the house and volunteers during construction
of the home
Construction supervisors
Ongoing support for the homeowner during the entire mortgage
period
Warranty coverage for the house for the period specified by law
The Partner Family Contributes:
400-600 hours of Sweat Equity work
A down payment of $500 due before the mortgage closing. This is
applied to your homeowners insurance for the first year
Monthly payments on a 20 to 30 year interested equivalent
mortgage that will go back into Habitat, to build more homes
Escrow payment of real estate taxes, homeowners insurance and
closing fees.
4|Page
2016
Payment of all other costs associated with home ownership

including:
Utility costs (water, electric, sewage, trash disposal)
Yard care costs
Costs of regular and unexpected maintenance
Good stewardship of the new property
Respect of neighbors and neighborhood
Names to Know
Director: The Director oversees the daily operations at HFHCB and
may be called on to answer questions and facilitate staff and Board
communications. The Director also oversees the Volunteer and Family
Programs and helps guide approved and pending families through the
pre- and post-application, sweat equity, and pre- and post-closing
processes.
Glennay Jundt
(712) 396- 2475
glennay@habitatcb.org
Construction Manager: The construction manager oversees the
activities that take place at the Habitat construction sites and works
with the volunteers and families in the building process.
Teresa Johnson
teresa@habitatcb.org
5|Page
2016
Sweat Equity Overview

Sweat Equity is the work and time a partner family spends helping to build
their own home and the homes of other HFHCB partner families and
participating in required workshops, trainings and meetings with HFHCB
Staff. Partner families can also complete the sweat equity requirement by
working at the HFHCB ReStore and participating in HFHCB events and other
HFHCB-approved community building activities. Partner families with
conditions that prevent them from working on an active construction site will
be given alternative opportunities to complete their required hours.
6|Page
2016
HFHCB requires a single adult partner family to complete 400 hours of sweat
equity work with a minimum of 100 of those being completed on the
construction site; up to 150 of these hours can be donated by family and
friends.
A multiple adult partner family is required to complete 600 hours of sweat
equity work with a minimum of 150 of those hours being completed on the
construction site; up to 10-0 of these hours can be donated by family and
friends.
As a Habitat family, you should participate in as
many workdays as possible on your home and
other partner families homes. The more you come
to the site, the more volunteers will be willing to
help and the sooner the home will be completed.
There are six different
types of sweat equity: construction,
education, community building, donated, ReStore and other.
Information about these types of sweat equity as well as important
guidelines are found on the following pages.
Sweat equity is a vital component of Habitat for Humanity partnerships for at
least 3 reasons:
1. Building community: sweat equity creates connections between
partner families, Habitat staff, Habitat volunteers and the larger
community.
2. Neighborhood pride: Helping to construct your own home as well as
your neighbors homes provides a sense of accomplishment and
ownership.
3. Development of skills & knowledge: On the construction site, future
homeowners gain understanding of what goes into building their
homes, and are therefore better equipped to deal with maintenance
and repair issues that arise after occupancy.
Section 1: Minimum Requirements
7|Page
2016
A partner family is required to complete a specific number of total sweat

equity hours as a part of their partnership agreement. These hours are based
on the number of adults (individuals aged 18 years and older) in the
household:
Single Adult Family:
Minimum of 400 hours total
Multiple-Adult Family: Minimum of 600 hours total
Section 2: Types of Sweat Equity

Sweat Equity is broken down into six different categories:
Type of Sweat
Equity
Construction
Single Adult
Multiple Adult
100 hours minimum
150 hours minimum
Homeowner
Preparation Courses
Required
40 hours maximum
Homeowner
Preparation Courses
Required
40 hours maximum
ReStore
150 hours
maximum
No Limit*
100 hours
maximum
No Limit*
Other
No Limit*
No Limit*
Education
Community
Building
Donated
*There is no limit to other hours or the amount of hours a

partner family can work in the ReStore, as long as the minimum
requirements are met.
2.1
Construction: time spent actively constructing or rehabilitating

HFHCB homes. A single-adult family must complete a minimum of 100
hours on the construction site. A multiple-adult family must complete a
minimum of 150 hours on the construction site. The construction work
week is Wednesday through Saturday.
8|Page
2016
2.1.a Scheduling hours on the construction site

A partner family must schedule all construction hours in
advance by contacting the Volunteer Coordinator by the
Monday of each week they would like to schedule work.
If a sweat equity request is not received by
midnight on Monday, the request for hours will be
denied.
A partner family will be notified if their sweat
equity request has been approved or denied by
Tuesday and where to go, if applicable.
The family must let the Volunteer Coordinator/Director
know how many people they wish to bring with them
when they come out to work (maximum number of
people on site at any time is 15). Every effort to
accommodate the group will be made. A partner family
member does not need to be present for recruited
volunteers. The individuals donating their hours to a
partner family will be asked to fill out a donated sweat
equity tracking card which is available at the
construction site as well as in your Orientation Binder.
A partner family can schedule hours as far in advance
as they want if they are working as individuals. If the
partner family wishes to bring a group, a group can be
scheduled up to six months in advance.
Everyone must sign up in advance to work; those who
do not will be denied access to the construction site.
A partner family is expected to work a full day; if a
family is unable to work a full day, they should give 24
hours advance notice so that the work assignments can
be scheduled appropriately.
The minimum that can be worked on one day is 4
hours (anything less will not be counted).
2.1.b Construction Site Sign-In Procedures
Partner Families must sign in and sign out at the job
site.
9|Page
2016
Sweat Equity Journals will only be signed during the

lunch break and at the end of the day during clean-up.
Please make sure to
get your sweat equity slips signed by the
Construction Manager or the Construction Site
Supervisor. Unsigned slips will not be accepted.
**Please see Construction Site Guidelines section of this manual for job
site rules, dress code and other important information.**
2.2 Education: since many HFHCB homeowners have never owned a home
before, HFHCB requires attendance at workshops where partner
families will learn more about preparing for homeownership as well as
financial management.
2.2.a Required Education Courses
Family Housing Advisory Services Financial Course: this
is a 6-6 hour course that covers budgeting and credit
information. The cost of this course is $15. *
Construction Safety Course: this course is required for
all individuals working on the construction site. The
course introduces general safety information for the
construction site.
Family Housing Advisory Services New Homeowner
Education: this course is a total of 12 hours long over a
three-day span. It covers important information
regarding first time homeownership. The cost of this
course is $25.*
*These education courses are required for both applicant and coapplicant. It is recommended that all adult members of the
household participate in these education classes.*
2.3
Community Building: Community Building sweat equity hours
are volunteer hours worked at another HFHCB-approved organization.
All Community Building hours must be pre-approved by the AmeriCorps
National Family Services Coordinator. Please note: These hours cannot
10 | P a g e
2016
be donated by others. Only partner family members can complete

these hours.
2.4
Donated Hours: Relatives, friends, colleagues and
volunteers* can volunteer their time on the construction site
and donate their hours to a partner family. A partner family
is only allowed to acquire a maximum of 100 (single-adult)
or 160 (multiple-adult) donated hours, so watch your donated hours
carefully!
*Please note that volunteers that are recruited on the
construction site can be recruited for future work, but not
for hours worked on the day the partner family meets
them.
2.5
ReStore: Families are able to complete some of their sweat
equity hours at the ReStore, a retail operation that sells new and used
donated building materials and household items to the general public
at steeply discounted prices. There is currently no limit to how many
hours a family is able to work at the ReStore. However, a family should
calculate their hours so that they can fulfill all other sweat equity
requirements.
The same guidelines for scheduling hours for construction apply to
scheduling hours for the ReStore.
2.6
Other Hours: Hours that fall into the other category, while still
qualifying as sweat equity, include certain meetings with Habitat staff,
special events, and more. HFHCB will notify you when a sweat equity
opportunity is available that will fall into the other category.
11 | P a g e
2016
Section 3: Tracking Sweat Equity

It is the responsibility of the partner family to record their hours, neatly and
accurately, in the provided sweat equity journal and return them to the
affiliate regularly.
3.1
Sweat Equity Journal: Each partner family is provided a sweat equity

journal in their Orientation Binder. This journal has a carbon copy
receipt that stays with the partner family so that they can keep track of
their hours.
3.1.a Filling in the Sweat Equity Journal
The first page of the journal that was provided to you in
your Orientation Binder is a sample page. Instructions
are as follows:
Date: Date of sweat equity.
Name: The name of the partner family who is
completing the hours.
Time In: The time when you started volunteering.
Time Out: The time you stopped volunteering.
Total Hours: The total amount of hours completed that
day.
Supervisor: The signature of the Habitat staff that was
supervising.
Friends/Family Names: Fill in if someone was completing
hours to be donated to your equity.
12 | P a g e
Each time sweat equity is performed, a sweat equity

entry must be filled out. Sweat equity hours will not be
counted if there is no slip to prove that hours were
completed.
2016
It is the responsibility of the partner family to make sure

their journal is with them when they provide any type of
sweat equity.
3.1.b Submitting Journal Receipts

Sweat equity slips must be submitted at least monthly,
prior to the last workday of the month. They can be
submitted more often. You may drop them off at or mail
them to the office to the attention of the Director. They
may also be returned to the Construction Manager.
3.2 Monthly Sweat Equity and Escrow Reports: HFHCB will send you a
monthly report detailing your sweat equity.
Donated hours from family and friends can only be work done for HFHCB, not
another community organization.
Section 4: Lot Assignments

When a family is accepted into the program, in most cases, they are not
immediately assigned a home in our service area. When a lot has been
offered, the family must sign a document acknowledging the acceptance or
denial of the property.
A partner family will be offered a lot when they have:
Completed 50% of their sweat equity hours
The partner family may deny up to 3 lot offers. After the 3 rd is
denied, the family moves to the bottom of the list.
A family will be offered a reasonable lot based on their family size.
A one to two-person family will be offered a home with a
maximum of two bedrooms.
A three-person family will be offered a home with the
maximum of three bedrooms.
13 | P a g e
2016
A four person family will be offered a home with the minimum

of three bedrooms and the maximum of four bedrooms.*
A five person family will be offered a minimum of a three
bedroom home.*
A six person family will be offered a minimum of a three
bedroom home.*
A seven person family will be offered a minimum of a four
bedroom home.*
An eight person family will be offered a minimum of a four
bedroom home.*
*If the below conditions can be met.
A reasonable lot or home must meet the following guidelines:
No more than two family members should share a
bedroom.
Siblings of the opposite sex should not share a
bedroom.
Siblings with an age difference of four years or more
shall not share a room.
Construction Guidelines
The responsibility of the construction staff is to work with volunteers and
partner families to build and rehab quality houses in a safe and cost-effective
manner. This process is challenging, but it ends in great rewards for
everyone: a sense of community pride and a new home for a family in need.
We need to keep that as our ultimate goal to help us get through the hot,
dirty, tiring work days. On the day of home dedication, we want there to be a
celebration of hard work and learning, not a formality required by Habitat for
Humanity International.
Since you are the intended recipient of the home, HFHCB will hold you to a
higher standard than that of a normal volunteer; you are the face of Habitat.
As you work on the construction site, you will become more familiar with how
it is run and how it is set up. While you complete your sweat equity hours,
you will learn new skills and become more familiar with building techniques.
When you have completed this program, you will be able to properly
maintain your home and how to deal with any problems that may arise in the
14 | P a g e
2016
future, because you built it. Our main goals are to keep everyone safe, keep
the projects progressing and give the volunteers a positive experience.
It is not our intention to make your journey towards homeownership a
difficult process. It is our goal that at the end of the program you are
prepared to be a homeowner who can do basic maintenance and be a good
neighbor.
Below are the most important rules for the construction site. Please read
them carefully and abide by them. If you have any questions, please ask.
1. You are the future recipient of the Habitat home that the staff &
volunteers are working on; be respectful and professional to everyone
on site. Volunteers will not receive anything at the end of their service;
partner families will. There are a lot of unknowns in working with
volunteers which cannot be controlled, and one thing that we can try to
control is our attitude in stressful situations. The construction staff
should know when to expect you, how many people will be with you
and that you will do what is asked to the best of your abilities with a
positive attitude.
2. The work day begins at 8:30 am, and you should not arrive any later
than that. If you arrive late, the construction staff reserves the right to
ask you to leave without getting any credit for hours.
3. Contact the Director via phone or email at glennay@habitatcb.org by
Monday of each week to schedule sweat equity on the construction
site. Since we have a small construction staff and are at the mercy of
the environment, we may not be able to have you every day that you
are available, but we will try. Please let the Director know if you would
like to bring additional volunteers with you that week when you call to
schedule time.
Remember, you cannot get hours credited to you for people who
happen to show up on the same day as you. To have others hours
count toward your sweat equity, you must arrange it in advance and
Mondays are the time to do that. After our meeting on Tuesday, we will
confirm with you the days you are scheduled to work during that week.
On-site workdays are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
4. If you are unable to make it a day that you are scheduled, call, text or
e-mail the construction staff to let them know before you are
scheduled to arrive, if possible.
15 | P a g e
2016
5. Come dressed appropriately for the construction site and the weather.
Construction work is sometimes dirty, cold, hot, or beautiful; prepare
for this mentally and physically.
6. Partner families will become familiar with the construction site and
storage areas. Please be ready to assist volunteers in finding tools or
materials they may need as well as help keep track of tools by putting
them back in their proper places.
7. Prior to asking for a member of the construction staff to sign your
sweat equity log, fill out your receipt hours book with your name, the
date, the address of the site and what you did during the day. If you
have donated hours to report, please record this as well.
8. If you do not have a job assigned, or if you have completed your
assignment and neither construction staff is available for further
direction, see if any other team needs assistance and if not, work on
cleaning the site.
9. Everyone on the worksite is responsible for their own safety. Each
workday, the construction staff will give a safety briefing based on the
days work tasks. Partner families are deputy safety patrollers. Please
help prevent injuries.
Building Your Home

Now that your family has been selected, you will be given an opportunity to
meet with construction staff to discuss specific plans for your home. The
basic floor plan of the home will already be designed. Depending on a
number of variables, you may have opportunities to make choices regarding
decorating options in the home.
16 | P a g e
2016
Please note: Houses built by HFHCB are not all alike.

Sometimes we substitute materials of equal or higher quality if we
have received donations of such materials. Remember, every
HFHCB partnership is unique, and we build the best house we can,
keeping in mind the familys needs and the resources we currently
have available.
The basic HFHCB home generally includes:
Approximately 900 square feet of living space for a 2 BR house; 1,070
square feet for a 3 BR house;
1230 square feet for a 4 BR house
Steps at all entrances
Concrete steps and retaining wall when necessary
Lawn graded, seeded
Washer and dryer
Steel entry doors with deadbolts
Residential carpet and vinyl flooring
Water heater and furnace
Low-maintenance exterior siding
Insulated windows with screens
Gas or electric range
Refrigerator
One full bathroom
Two phone jacks (One upstairs, one downstairs)
One linen closet
One coat closet
Attic 4 x 8 storage or equal
The basic HFHCB home does not include:

Garbage disposal
Dishwasher
Special doors or trim work
Ceiling fans
17 | P a g e
2016
Special cabinets
Curtains or blinds
Garage or carport
Fences
Air conditioning or wiring for same
Freezer
Concrete patio
Porches
Anything that you would like to add to the home, such as appliances,
fences, etc., can only be moved into/added onto the home after the home
has been given a certificate of occupancy & the mortgage is closed.
Permits may be required from the county you reside in. All changes must
be approved by the affiliate.
How does Habitat arrive at the price of its homes?

Habitat for Humanity International mandates that Habitat affiliates, like
HFHCB, shall conduct their home sales and mortgage financing transactions
in such a way as to assure that the initial monthly payment of a purchaser of
a Habitat home shall not exceed 28.5 percent of the households gross
income. Included in this initial monthly payment calculation are loan
principal, local real estate/property taxes and homeowners hazard
insurance, and, where applicable, mortgage insurance and loan servicing
fees.
Habitats house pricing policy is designed to assure that the homes produced
by Habitat for Humanity affiliates are sold on a no-profit basis. In order to
fulfill this no-profit mandate, affiliates may include the following costs into
the calculation of the prices of their homes:
Cash costs, or donated value of property acquisition and installation
of
infrastructure (streets, water, utilities, sewer, etc.).
Legal fees, recording fees, platting costs, engineering costs and
architectural costs directly attributable to the home.
Direct construction costs for labor and materials paid for by the
affiliate with cash.
The value of in-kind material donations.
The value of donated professional labor by individuals and firms.
18 | P a g e
2016
Licenses, permits, insurance and fees directly attributable to the

home.
In addition to the above direct or production costs, the affiliate is
permitted to include up to 10 percent of these total direct costs, to
cover indirect expenses incurred by the affiliate in the production of
the home.
The total repayable price of the home, i.e., the total amount the homeowner
will repay to the Habitat affiliate over the life of the mortgage, may be less
than but must not exceed the total development costs of the home, as
defined above.
Habitat does not charge interest on homeowners mortgages or the value of
donated labor. A homeowners sweat equity requirement must be completed
prior to moving into the home. In extreme circumstances, an exception may
be granted by the Habitat Board of Directors.
Homeowners Insurance and Signing the Mortgage

Before a new homeowner moves into their home, they must obtain
homeowners insurance and discuss their mortgages with a designated
Habitat representative. A family's Sweat Equity requirement must be
complete before closing on the home and moving in. A meeting will be
scheduled with the homeowners and Habitat representatives to sign the
mortgage. Homeowners receive a copy of the mortgage after it is signed. We
work with a title company for the closing, and the only thing you need to
bring with you is photo identification.
There will be a final walk through of the house with a Habitat staff member
and the homeowner before the family moves in. Any problems with the home
will be addressed at that time. Any repairs due to construction defects will be
the responsibility of HFHCB.
19 | P a g e
2016
ReStore Manager: The ReStore Manager is in charge of all aspects of the

ReStore, HFHCBs home improvement thrift store. This includes coordinating
all of the volunteer activities at the ReStore, including Sweat Equity with
future homeowners. Please contact the ReStore Manager to schedule an
orientation and shifts helping in the ReStore.
Teresa Johnson (712) 256-0838
20 | P a g e
2016
teresa@habitatcb.org
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
21 | P a g e
11am-5pm
11 am-5 pm
11am-5pm
11am-5pm
9am-3pm
2016
Partnership Ending Policy & Procedure

A partnership between a family and HFHCB will end due to the following
reasons and all explained in detail in the following pages:
1. Failure to complete sweat equity requirements
2. Fraud or Misrepresentation
3. Failure to Partner
4. Negative Change in Economic Circumstances
5. Partner Family chooses to end the partnership
1. FAILURE TO COMPLETE SWEAT EQUITY REQUIREMENTS
Failure to complete all hours within twenty months of signing
P.A.C.E. Agreement
Each Partner Familys commitment to work the required amount
of sweat equity in accordance with established Policies and
Procedures is at the heart of its partnership with HFHCB. HFHCB
will make every reasonable effort to assist families through the SE
process. However, if a Partner Family does not complete its SE
obligations in a timely manner it risks being deselected for failure
to partner.
1.1
Grace Period & Break Policy

HFHCB understand that that some things are unavoidable.
Therefore, there are some procedures in place if a partner family
fails to meet its sweat equity obligations.
1.1.1
Inconsistent Sweat Equity Completion
If the partner family does not complete sweat equity for a
length of time, they will be asked to come in and re-evaluate the
situation with the Director.
It may be decided that this is not the right time for the
family to pursue homeownership and the partnership
should end. The family is invited to reapply at a more
suitable time.
1.2
Break Policy
There may be a time when a temporary disability or serious family
problems interfere with timely completion of SE. When this occurs, the
family may take a break from SE. This must be discussed and approved
by HFHCB beforehand; the
22 | P a g e
2016
partner family cannot decide this is what they would like to

do without communicating with the affiliate.
1.2.1
A break can last up to 6 months.
1.2.2
At 6 months the situation will be reassessed and new
income information must be provided. If the situation does
not allow the family to return, or if the income has changed
significantly, the family may be deselected.
1.2.3
If de-selected, and otherwise eligible, the family may
reapply after six months from the date of de-selection.
1.2.4
In either case any SE that earned will be kept for one
year beyond the end date of the six-month break.
1.2.5
If the family was assigned a lot prior to taking a
break, the lot will not be held. On returning, the family may
select another lot from those available.
2. FRAUD/MISREPRESNATION
2.1
Fraud or Misrepresentation on the Application undermines the
integrity and fairness of the HFHCB Family Selection Process, which is
wholly dependent upon access to complete and accurate information
from each applicant. Each Applicants obligation to provide complete
and accurate information extends to the entire application process.
This includes completion of the paper application as well as an
obligation to respond honestly and completely to subsequent inquiries
from HFHCB Family Services and/or Selection Committee members.
2.2
Fraud or Misrepresentation, includes, but is not limited to:

Intentionally inaccurate information is provided on initial
application
Inflated income information
Omitting debt information
Inaccurate information on household size or composition
2.3
Fraud or Misrepresentation constitute grounds for de-selection
regardless of at what point in the process they are discovered.
23 | P a g e
2016
2.4
After selection, a Partner Familys obligation to be
honest and forthright with HFHCB continues.
Misrepresentations
regarding the completion of SE hours or other Partner Family
obligations under our partnership constitute both fraud and a failure to
partner.
Suspected misrepresentations of SE will be addressed
according to the same procedures outlined in this section.
2.5
Procedure when fraud or misrepresentation is suspected:

2.5.1
The matter will be investigated by HFHCB Family
Services staff.
All methods and findings of this
investigation will be documented in the Partner Familys
file. This investigation must include a meeting with the
family during which the Partner Family is allowed to
respond to the suspected fraud or misrepresentation.
2.5.2
Findings of the investigation of HFHCB Family
Services, including any explanations offered by the Partner
Family, are presented to the Executive Committee for
review.
2.5.3
If the Executive Committee determines that fraud or
deliberate misrepresentation took place, the Partner Family
shall be de-selected immediately.
2.5.4
A letter shall be sent to the family informing them of
the Executive Committees decision.
2.5.5
A Partner Family that is de-selected for fraud or
misrepresentation is not eligible to reapply at a later date.
3. FAILURE TO PARTNER
Circumstances under which a Partner Family may be found to have failed to
partner include, but are not limited to, the following:
3.1
Failure to comply with the terms of the P.A.C.E. Agreement signed
at the time of approval
3.2
Violation of the Policies and Procedures provided at the time of
orientation
24 | P a g e
2016
3.3
Failure to complete Sweat Equity in a timely manner.
3.4
All failures to partner must be documented by HFHCB in writing
and maintained in the Partner Family file. Records of any remedial
efforts made by either party, as well as any explanation offered by the
Partner Family must also be maintained in the family file.
3.4.1
If the purported failure to partner warrants deselection, all relevant information will be presented to the
Executive Committee for review.
3.4.2
If the Executive Committee votes to de-select, a
letter will be sent to the Partner Family informing it of the
de-selection.
4. NEGATIVE CHANGE IN ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES
4.1
Negative change in economic circumstances can set the Partner
Family up for failure by placing them in a home that they may not be
able to afford. It will be the policy of HFHCB, however, to work with the
Partner Family to the fullest possible extent.
De-selection on this
ground is a last resort.
4.2
Other changes in the family (i.e. size) should not be considered
as reason for de-selection. In fact, the dignity and self-esteem that
comes from approval and the homeownership opportunity can function
as catalysts that improve other situations in their lives as well. For this
they should not be penalized.
4.3
The Partner Family must notify HFHCB of any such change in
economic circumstances in a timely manner.
4.4
HFHCB will perform a second credit check after the family has
been accepted into the program. This credit check will happen then
and 6 months prior to the anticipated closing date of the home.
4.5
Procedure when a negative change in economic circumstances
threatens the Partner Familys ability to pay:
4.5.1
25 | P a g e
Prior to Lot Assignment
2016
4.5.1.a If the negative change occurs prior to lot assignment,

the family will be allowed to continue working the
minimum number of sweat equity hours per three-month
period while they endeavor to improve their financial
situation.
4.5.1.b Lot assignment will be postponed until such time as
HFHCB Family Services can determine the Partner Family
has improved its financial situation sufficiently to proceed.
4.5.1.c Where appropriate, the Partner Family may opt to
take a sweat equity break in accordance with Section 3 Part
1 of these policies and procedures. If the Partner Family is
unable to demonstrate sufficient improvement of economic
circumstances within three months, a sweat equity break
may also be initiated by HFHCB Family Services.
4.5.2
After Lot Assignment the affiliates first option should
be to postpone the closing, if possible, until the problem
has been corrected.
4.5.2.b The timeframe must be specifically defined and must
take into account when the home is planned for
completion. For instance, the affiliate should allow an
applicant to secure new employment if a job is lost before
closing.
4.5.2.b The feasibility of other alternatives such as
restructuring the loan will be considered, where
appropriate, subject to approval of the Executive
Committee.
4.5.2.c The maximum length of time HFHCB will postpone
closing on a completed home is three months.
4.5.2.d If the Partner Family is unable to improve its
economic circumstances sufficiently within that period, the
affiliate may reassign the family to a different house. This
reassignment may be postponed until such time that
26 | P a g e
2016
HFHCB Family Services can determine that the

Partner Family has improved its economic circumstances
sufficiently to proceed.
4.5.2.e Where appropriate, the Partner Family may opt to
take a sweat equity break in accordance with Section 3 Part
1 of these policies and procedures. If the Partner Family is
unable to demonstrate sufficient improvement of economic
circumstances within three months, sweat equity break
may also be initiated by HFHCB Family Services.
4.5.2 f If, after the maximum break period has elapsed, the
Partner Family is still unable to document sufficient
improvement in economic circumstances, the matter will
be brought before the Executive Committee for review. If
the Executive Committee determines that the Partner
Family is still unable to afford a HFHCB home, it may deselect.
4.5.2.e A meeting will be held with the Partner Family to discuss
the decision of the Executive Committee. If de-selected,
the Partner Family will be eligible to reapply.
5. PARTNER FAMILY CHOOSES TO END PARTNERSHIP
A partner family may choose to end the partnership. The partner family
must notify HFHCB as soon as the decision has been made.
5.1
If the family notifies HFHCB verbally, the affiliate must send a
letter to the partner family to confirm the separation; a copy of this
letter is put into the partner familys file.
5.2
If the family notifies HFHCB through email or letter, the affiliate
must send a letter to the partner family to confirm the separation; a
copy of this letter is put into the partner familys file. The email or
letter must also be placed in the familys file.
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why am I not in my home if my sweat equity hours are completed?
A variety of factors go into completing a Habitat home:
Different factors are as follows:
27 | P a g e
2016
Volunteers- We rely on volunteers to be the labor force that

builds Habitat homes. Volunteers come with a variety of skills and
talents but many times they are not skilled in construction. Thus, we
can build at the pace of our volunteers.
Sponsors- Each and every Habitat home must be financially sponsored
by an organization or business or through different grants. Different
sponsors place certain parameters around the money they donate to
the affiliate. At times, these parameters consist of time restrictions
and a deadline for a home to be completed. Since raising money to
build homes is crucial to the success of Habitat, we focus our attention
on each deadline presented.
Permits and Inspections- Every residential home must go through a
series of inspections. The goals of the inspections, which are done by
the city, are to ensure the home you are purchasing is correctly built at
each and every stage of building. While this is very beneficial to all
parties involved, occasionally it can take time for an inspector to come
to the site. Similarly, every house we build requires getting
appropriate building permits. These permits can require a lot of
paperwork and time. Most of the permitting and inspection work is
handled by the city and are not controlled by HFHCB.
Partner families with completed sweat equity are the affiliates priority
to move into their homes. We understand the hard work and
determination you have invested into building your home and your
neighbors homes. It is our goal to get you in your house as soon as
possible while being mindful of some of the above mentioned
restraints.
2. My house is done, but my sweat equity is not. Can I move into my
home?
Generally, no, you cannot move into your home until you have
completed your sweat equity hours. If HFHCB does give you permission
to move into your home before you have finished your sweat equity,
due to certain circumstances, you are required to sign a
Lease/Purchase Agreement. This allows you to move into the
home and start making payments. The monthly payments will be
applied to your mortgage once the closing has been done. The second
thing you will need to do is make a sweat equity agreement for your
remaining hours. There will be a deadline for when your remaining
hours need to be completed.
If the sweat equity deadline is not met, and no effort has been made to
complete them, HFHCB can ask you to the leave the home. Any
28 | P a g e
2016
payments made towards the home as part of the

Lease/Purchase agreement will be considered rent.
3. How are sweat equity hours broken down?
A single adult home must complete 400 hours of sweat equity.
100 hours must be construction hours
150 hours can be donated hours
A multiple adult home must complete 600 hours of sweat
equity.
150 hours must be construction hours
100 hours can be donated hours
Other ways to get sweat equity hours are through homeownership
classes, helping with HFHCB events, working at the ReStore, writing
Thank You cards and HFHCB approved community service activities.
4. I am a single parent, but I have a child that is 18 years old. Am I
considered a single adult home or multiple adult home?
You are considered a multiple adult home. An individual is considered
an adult at 18 years of age; anyone in the home that is 18 or over is
considered an adult and should help contribute to the sweat equity.
5. Are there restrictions on donated hours?
Yes. The only hours that can be donated come from working on the
construction site or working in the ReStore. You must recruit family,
friends, and/ or co-workers to complete volunteer hours to donate to
you.
6. Who do I contact if I would like to schedule sweat equity hours on the
construction site?
You need to contact the Director if you would like to work on the
construction site. You must call every time you wish to work on site.
Heres why:
Our construction staff plans what work can be completed
based on the number of people scheduled to come out to the
construction site.
The site may have moved to a different location.
The site may be closed.
If you do not call before you come to site, HFHCB staff may turn you
away, so please call!
29 | P a g e
2016
7. What if I schedule time and I do not show up?

If you are unable to come to site, please let us know. We understand
things come up; we ask that you just let us know if you cant make it so
we can plan the day accordingly. If you do not show up, and you do not
call, you will be docked two hours of sweat equity per scheduled
person.
8. Can I bring people to the work site with me?
Yes. You must let the Director know how many people you would like to
bring to the site when you call in advance of the workday.
9. What time does the work day begin?
The construction work day begins at 9 am and ends at 4 pm. It would
be best if you can commit to a full day of work, but HFHCB understands
if it is not possible. However, a minimum of four hours is required for
each day that you sign up. Please let the Volunteer Coordinator know
what time you plan on coming to site and when you plan to leave so
that they can notify the construction staff.
Terms to Know
Appraisal
An expert judgment or estimate of the quality or value of real estate as of a
given date.
Certificate of Occupancy
Document issued by a local governmental agency that states a property
meets the local building standards for occupancy.
Closing Costs
The numerous expenses which buyers and sellers normally incur to complete
a transaction in the transfer of ownership of real estate. These costs are in
addition to price of the property and are items prepaid at the closing day.
Closing Day
30 | P a g e
2016
The day on which the formalities of a real estate sale are

concluded. The certificate of title, abstract, and deed are generally prepared
for the closing by an attorney and this cost charged to the buyer. The buyer
signs the mortgage, and closing costs are paid. The final closing merely
confirms the original agreement reached in the agreement of sale.
Contractor
In the construction industry, a contractor is one who contracts to erect
buildings or portions of them. There are also contractors for each phase of
construction: heating, electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, road building,
bridge and dam erection, and others.
Credit Report
A report documenting the history of how you paid back the companies you
have borrowed money from, or how you have met other financial obligations.
Deed
A formal written instrument by which title to real property is transferred from
one owner to another. The deed should contain an accurate description of
the property being conveyed, should be signed and witnessed according to
the laws of the State where the property is located, and should be delivered
to the purchaser at closing day. There are two parties to a deed: the grantor
and the grantee. (See also deed of trust, general warranty deed, quitclaim
deed, and special warranty deed.)
Equity
The value of a homeowner's unencumbered interest in real estate. Equity is
computed by subtracting from the property's fair market value the total of
the unpaid mortgage balance and any outstanding liens or other debts
against the property. A homeowner's equity increases as he pays off his
mortgage or as the property appreciates in value. When the mortgage and
all other debts against the property are paid in full the homeowner has 100%
equity in his property.
Escrow
Typically, lenders increase the size of the monthly payment to cover
important bills such a property taxes and insurance. This extra amount is
deposited into an interest-earning Escrow Account. At the end of the year,
when the taxes or insurance premiums are due, the lender automatically
pays the bill from the buyers account.
First Mortgage
A mortgage that has priority as a lien over all other mortgages.
Flood Insurance
31 | P a g e
2016
Insurance that compensates for physical property damage

resulting from flooding. It is required for properties located in federally
designated flood areas.
Foreclosure
A legal term applied to any of the various methods of enforcing payment of
the debt secured by a mortgage, or deed of trust, by taking and selling the
mortgaged property& depriving the mortgagor of possession.
Hazard Insurance
Protects against damages caused to property by fire, windstorms, and other
common hazards.
Homeowners Insurance
Insurance including hazard coverage that insures for damages that may
affect the value of a house, in addition to personal liability and theft
coverage.
Interest
The cost of borrowing money. This is the amount added onto the principle of
your loan. The "interest payment" is the portion of your monthly payment
that is applied against the interest owed.
Mortgage
A lien or claim against real property given by the buyer to the lender as
security for money borrowed. Under government-insured or loan-guarantee
provisions, the payments may
include escrow amounts covering taxes,
hazard insurance, water charges, and special assessments. Mortgages
generally run from 10 to 30 years, during which the loan is to be paid off.
Mortgage Note
A written agreement to repay a loan. The agreement is secured by a
mortgage, serves as proof of indebtedness, and states the manner in which
it shall be paid. The note states the actual amount of the debt that the
mortgage secures and renders the mortgagor personally responsible for
repayment.
PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance)
The four amounts that make up your monthly house payment. Principal and
interest (P&I) are due on every loan. Taxes and insurance (T&I) are also
included if the lender requires an escrow account.
Principal
The basic element of the loan as distinguished from interest and mortgage
insurance premium. In other words, principal is the amount upon which
interest is paid.
Purchase Agreement
32 | P a g e
2016
Known by various names, such as contract of purchase, purchase

agreement, or sales agreement according to location or jurisdiction. A
contract in which a seller agrees to sell and a buyer agrees to buy, under
certain specific terms and conditions spelled out in writing and signed by
both parties.
Second Mortgage
A mortgage in addition to the first mortgage. Home equity loans, credit lines,
home improvement loans are second mortgage loans. Second mortgage is
subordinate to the first one.
Tax
As applied to real estate, an enforced charge imposed on persons, property
or income, to be used to support the State. The governing body in turn
utilizes the funds in the best interest of the general public.
Title
As generally used, the rights of ownership and possession of particular
property. In real estate usage, title may refer to the instruments or
documents by which a right of ownership is established (title documents), or
it may refer to the ownership interest one has in the real estate.
Zoning
A local government authority's specifications for the use of property in
certain areas.
Fun Stuff: Habitat History

Habitat for Humanity is a Christian non-profit organization that believes
everyone should have a place they can call home.
33 | P a g e
2016
It was officially founded in 1976, but the journey started 34 years before, in
1942. Two families in Sumter County, Georgia, the Jordan and England
families founded a community where all people are treated equally,
regardless of race or religion.
They called it Koinonia Farms. Koinonia is a Greek word that means
communion by intimate participation.
Koinonia is a place where its
inhabitants strive to live a peaceful, simple and shared life with each other.
Koinonias presence challenges racism, militarism and materialism, and was
a target during the Civil Rights Movement for bullets, bombs and boycotts.
Thankfully, Koinonia survived and thrives today.
In 1965, Millard and Linda Fuller visited Koinonia and began working with and
learning from the Jordans. The Fullers eventually moved to Koinonia, and in
1968, the Fund for Humanity was created. The Fund for Humanity was the
idea that houses can be built at no interest and no profit, in partnership with
families. Jordan and Fuller felt that what the poor needed was not charity,
but capital, not caseworkers but coworkers. Koinonia laid our 42 half acre
sites, with 4 acres reserved as a community park to start the Fund for
Humanity. The first Partnership house was completed in Sumter County in
1969, shortly after Clarence Jordan passed away of a sudden heart attack.
The Fullers moved from Koinonia in 1973 to Zaire, to
do missionary work. They took with them the
principles of the Fund for Humanity, and their goal in
Zaire was to offer affordable and adequate shelter to
2,000 people. They returned to Americus, Georgia, in
1976 and started Habitat for Humanity.
By the 5th Anniversary of Habitat for Humanity, in
1981, the organization had 21 affiliates and built 342
houses. A few years later, HFHI got its most famous
and well-known volunteers, former President Carter
and his wife, Rosalyn. That first year, they brought
with them a team of volunteers and renovated a 6
story, 19-unit apartment building in New York City. The
couple
continue to build all over the world with Habitat for Humanity, each year, in a
week long blitz build known as the Jimmy & Rosalyn Carter Work Project.
34 | P a g e
2016
Habitat for Humanity has grown at a rapid pace. By 1990, the first Koinonia
Partnership house was paid off, and by 1993, Habitat had built 20,000
homes. Today, Habitat for Humanity has built over 350,000 homes
worldwide.
Millard & Linda Fuller

Millard Fuller was born in Alabama in 1935. He majored in
economics and received a law degree from the University of
Alabama. In 1959, he married his wife, Linda, and became a self
made millionaire by the age of 29.
In 1965, The Fullers went to Koinonia

Farms to visit friends while
on a family vacation. The family met Clarence Jordan, the founde
of Koinonia Farms, and formed a friendship that would lead to the
creation of Habitat for Humanity. The Fullers gave up their wealth and
possessions, and moved to Koinonia in 1968 and began a life of Christian
service. They worked and lived on Koinonia, forming several partnership
ventures, including Partnership Housing.
The Fullers lived at Koinonia until 1973, when they left to do missionary work
in Zaire. The Fullers took with them idea of Partnership Housing and built
homes in Africa. They returned to the United States in 1976 and began
Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Georgia, not far from Koinonia Farm.
In 2005, the Fullers left Habitat for Humanity to start the Fuller Center for
Housing, which expanded the foundation Habitat was built on and continued
35 | P a g e
2016
to advocate for poverty housing. Millard Fuller passed away on

February 3, 2009.
Clarence Jordan & Koinonia Farm

Clarence Jordan was born in a small town in Georgia, to very prominent
citizens. At an early age, Jordan was disturbed by the racial and economic
injustices he saw in his community.
He attended the University of Georgia and earned
a degree in agriculture, hoping to help improve
the lot of sharecroppers through scientific farming
techniques.
During his time at the university, Jordan became
convinced that the roots of poverty were also
spiritual. In 1938, he received a Ph.D. in the Greek
New Testament from the Southern Baptist
Theological Seminary in Kentucky. While at
seminary, Jordan met his wife, Florence.
In 1942, the Jordans and another couple, Martin
and Mabel England, moved their families to a 440acre piece of land in Sumter County, Georgia to create an interracial
Christian farming community. They called it Koinonia, which is a Greek word
meaning communion or fellowship.
The residents of Koinonia lived peacefully for several years, but as the civil
rights moment progressed, white citizens of the area thought that Koinonias
ideas of equality and rejection of violence were a threat to their way of life.
Koinonia was a target of violence and bombings. Koinonia survived the
turmoil of the civil rights movement, and is still operating today.
The Fullers were inspired by Jordan and moved to Koinonia. They worked
together to start Partnership Housing, which led to the creation of Habitat
for Humanity. Sadly, Jordan passed away in 1969 of a sudden heart attack
and did not live to see the completion of the first partnership house.
36 | P a g e
2016
Where We Build
Habitat builds homes in 90 different countries across the world. There are
more than 1500 Habitat affiliates in the United States.
Afghanista Dominican
n
Republic
Angola
Ecuador
Laos
Argentina
Australia
Banglades
h
Belize
Bermuda
Bolivia
Botswana
Brazil
Egypt
El Salvador
Lesotho
Macedonia
Fiji
France
Germany
Ghana
Great Britain
Guam
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Mexico
Mongolia
Mozambique
Poland
Portugal
Republic of
Ireland
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Bulgaria
Guatemala
Myanmar
Singapore
Burundi
Guyana
Nepal
Slovakia
Cambodia
Haiti
Netherlands
South Africa
Cameroon
Hungary
New Zealand
South Korea
Canada
India
Nicaragua
Sri Lanka
Chile
Indonesia
Nigeria
Suriname
China
Colombia
Japan
Jordan
Northern
Ireland
Pakistan
Switzerland
Tajikistan
Costa Rica
Kenya
Panama
Tanzania
37 | P a g e
Lebanon
Paraguay
Timor-Lesto
Philippines
Trinidad &
Tobago
Uganda
Ukraine
United
States
Vietnam
Zambia
2016
Cote
dIvoire
38 | P a g e
Kyrgyzstan
Papa New
Guinea
Thailand
2016
Habitat Timeline
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that believes everyone
should have a place they can call home. Habitat for Humanity builds safe,
decent, affordable housing for people who do not qualify for a conventional
mortgage.
1942
Two families in Sumter County, Georgiathe Jordan &

England families found Koinonia Farm. Koinonia is a community
where all people are treated equally.
1965
Jordans.
Millard and Linda Fuller visit Koinonia and begin working with the
1968
Fund for Humanity is created. Fund for Humanity is the
idea that houses will be built at no interest and no profit.
Koinonia laid out 42 half acre sites with four acres reserved as a
community park.
1969
The 1st Partnership House is completed in Sumter County.
Clarence Jordan does not live to see it completed; he passed
away of a sudden heart attack on October 29th.
1973
The Fullers move from Koinonia, taking the principles of Fund

for Humanity to Zaire. Their goal was to offer affordable and
adequate shelter to 2,000 people.
1976 The Fullers return to Americus and Habitat for Humanity is formed.
1981
5th Anniversary of Habitat

342 Houses built
14 United States affiliates
7 International Affiliates
1984
39 | P a g e
Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn become

HFHI partners. The first Jimmy Carter Work Project is held in New
York City. The project renovated a six story, 19-unit apartment
building.
2016
1990
1993
Bo & Emma Johnson pay off their mortgage on the first

Koinonia Partnership house.
Habitat for Humanity Council Bluffs was founded
1993
Habitat completes 20,000th house worldwide during a blitz
build in Americus
1994
Habitat is named 17th largest homebuilder in the United
States
Habitat completes 30,000th house worldwide in Americus
1995
Habitat for Humanity celebrates the first Building on Faith
observance with the dedication of its 40,000th house
1996
50,000th house is dedicated in Pensacola
1997
60,000th house dedicated in Dallas, Texas
1998
70,000th house is dedicated in Canton
80,000th house built is dedicated in Mexico City

Jimmy Carter Work Project is largest ever, in the
Philippines. It has 14,000 volunteers building 293 homes.
1999
2000
2003
2005
100,000th house is dedicated in New York City
150,000th house is built in Romania

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Region
200,000th house is dedicated in Knoxville, Tennessee
2007
Habitat celebrates the 1,000th and 1,0001st home built
along the United
States Gulf Coast since Hurricanes Katrina & Rita
2008
25th JRCWP is held on Gulf Coast in Louisiana, Mississippi
and Texas. 150 homes are built along the coast.
300,000th house is dedicated in Naples, Florida
Habitat is the 14th largest builder in the United States
40 | P a g e
2016
2009
Habitat for Humanitys founder, Millard Fuller,
passes away on February 3rd
2010
Habitat for Humanity is the 8th largest builder in the United
States
27th Annual JRCWP is held in six different US cities, starting on
October 4th, World Habitat Day: Washington, D.C., Baltimore &
Annapolis, Maryland, Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota, and
Birmingham, Alabama
41 | P a g e
2016
Helpful Websites
Habitat.org
Habitat.org is the website for Habitat for Humanity.org. Here you can learn the histor
HFHI and how it has built homes across the world. It gives more insight to the differe
awareness programs HFHI has and it also has all HFHIws
related
items.ne
Habitat.org also has a special site for youth, from 5 to 25:
Here they can learn more about Habitat through Habitat activities.
games and
g
Habitatcb.org is our affiliates website. It has everything you need to contact us, to
volunteer, and answer some general questions.
This is the website for the city we serve.
2-1-1
provides free and confidential information and referral.
2-1-1 Call
for help with food,
housing, employment, health are,
c
counseling and more.Learn more about your local
-1-1 2
by looking it up here.
42 | P a g e
2016

Partner Family Manual Draft

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Partner Family Manual Draft

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

2016

Partner Family Manual

Habitat for Humanity

Partner Family Manual

Partner Family Manual

What is Habitat for Humanity?

Partner Family Manual

Partnership: Working Together

Partner Family Manual

Payment of all other costs associated with home ownership

Partner Family Manual

Sweat Equity Overview

Partner Family Manual

Section 1: Minimum Requirements

Partner Family Manual

A partner family is required to complete a specific number of total sweat

Section 2: Types of Sweat Equity

100 hours minimum

150 hours minimum

*There is no limit to other hours or the amount of hours a

Construction: time spent actively constructing or rehabilitating

Partner Family Manual

2.1.a Scheduling hours on the construction site

Partner Family Manual

Sweat Equity Journals will only be signed during the

Partner Family Manual

be donated by others. Only partner family members can complete

Partner Family Manual

Section 3: Tracking Sweat Equity

Sweat Equity Journal: Each partner family is provided a sweat equity

Each time sweat equity is performed, a sweat equity

Partner Family Manual

It is the responsibility of the partner family to make sure

3.1.b Submitting Journal Receipts

Section 4: Lot Assignments

Partner Family Manual

A four person family will be offered a home with the minimum

Partner Family Manual

Partner Family Manual

Building Your Home

Partner Family Manual

Please note: Houses built by HFHCB are not all alike.

The basic HFHCB home does not include:

Partner Family Manual

How does Habitat arrive at the price of its homes?

Partner Family Manual

Licenses, permits, insurance and fees directly attributable to the

Homeowners Insurance and Signing the Mortgage

Partner Family Manual

ReStore Manager: The ReStore Manager is in charge of all aspects of the

Teresa Johnson (712) 256-0838

Partner Family Manual

Partner Family Manual

Partnership Ending Policy & Procedure

Grace Period & Break Policy

Partner Family Manual

partner family cannot decide this is what they would like to

A break can last up to 6 months.

Fraud or Misrepresentation, includes, but is not limited to:

Partner Family Manual

Procedure when fraud or misrepresentation is suspected:

Partner Family Manual