Habitat's mission to provide homeownership opportunities to low-income families is unique as it requires partner families to work alongside the community that is reaching out to help them. Each Habitat partner family provides "sweat equity," or physical labor, toward the construction of their own home, other Habitat family homes and special projects. Partner families provide between 300 - 500 hours of sweat equity and participate in educational programs designed to help them achieve successful homeownership. Habitat partner families are selected based on three specific criteria: Ability to pay a zero-percent interest mortgage, need for simple, decent shelter, and a willingness to partner with the organization, sponsors and community volunteers. Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity has helped over 100 local families and 200 international families through home ownership and home preservation opportunities over the past 31 years.