Habitat for Humanity Chicago South Suburbs

Habitat for Humanity South Suburban Chapter

“There’s no place like home,” is one of the most famous movie lines of all time, but for millions of Americans, a decent safe, affordable home is an unattainable dream. The shortage of low-cost housing is a nationwide crisis that is now exacerbated by the mortgage foreclosure crisis.

The official State of Illinois Comprehensive Housing Plan indicates there are over 75,000 households in the southern suburbs defined as having “critical housing needs”. This means they are paying too much of their monthly income for housing (30%, 40%, 50%+) and /or living in substandard quality or overcrowded conditions. This is the market we are trying to assist with our simple, decent homes.

The houses built by HFHCSS are sold to those in need at no profit and with an interest free loan maintained by the affiliate. Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor – sweat equity – into building their Habitat house and the houses of others. Habitat homes are affordable homes because we hold the mortgage and insure that monthly payments do not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.

However, to continue fulfilling our mission we need your help. We rely on the generosity of our fellow citizens to help build these homes and, importantly, to pay for the materials used in their construction. When you consider that only 285 donations of $300 would pay for one of our houses it seems reasonable to expect that we will succeed.

Of course, you’re financial donation is fully tax deductible. Likewise, if you have materials to donate we can provide all of the necessary documentation necessary for your tax return. Please consider helping HFHCSS to build more houses for working families who truly deserve our support.