FAQs
Have questions? See if the answers below serve you.
What is Habitat for Humanity?
Loudon County Habitat for Humanity (LCHFH) is a Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in Loudon County by building simple, decent, affordable homes for families in need.
Founded in 1992, LCHFH has built more than 120 new homes, made repairs to more than 90 existing homes, and has helped build over 50 homes outside globally with our tithe to Habitat for Humanity International.
Does LCHFH give houses away?
No.
In our program, qualified families buy the houses that are built by them and our volunteers. Each family is required to work 250-500 hours of “sweat equity.” This is a combination of construction work, homeowner education classes, and working in the Habitat Restore.
After the house is complete, it is sold to the family at no profit and mortgaged with an affordable loan.
How is LCHFH funded?
While Loudon County Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, we operate independently. We depend on local individuals, churches, organizations, foundations, and businesses to provide funding for our building efforts.
When available, we apply for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds which have partially funded some Loudon County Habitat for Humanity houses. In addition, through our affiliation with HFHI and their partnerships with national corporations, we are able to obtain house-building products such as shingles and appliances.
While we are grateful when we are successful in obtaining HUD grants and HFHI products, some are awarded on a competitive basis and we have no guarantees that we will receive either.
Who qualifies for houses?
Approved families must be Loudon County residents who earn up to 80% of the median income for this area and are pre-qualified through a process that includes a credit check to determine income level as well as debt-to-income ratio.
Other requirements include demonstrating a need for decent housing, the ability and willingness to partner with Habitat, and the completion of sweat equity hours.
How are families chosen?
Loudon County Habitat for Humanity’s Family Selection Committee reviews applicants and conducts home visits to the family’s current residence.
This committee makes recommendations to our board of directors who have final authority to approve applications.
Families are chosen without regard to cultural background, sex, disability, religion, or station in life.
How can I get involved?
Whether you want to apply for a Habitat house, are a senior or disabled homeowner who needs repairs to your home, or you are looking for volunteer opportunities for you, your civic organization or your church, we welcome your involvement.
Please give us a call at (865) 458-0704, and we can tell you how you can become involved in our program.