What has Leland Habitat for Humanity accomplished?

Since 1996, LHFH has built 26 houses in the community of Leland, Mississippi. Each house is approximately 1,100
square feet and built on property either donated to or purchased by LHFH.

Who lives in these houses?

There are 26 families, comprising a total of 42 adults and 56 children. The children are the beneficiaries of building
these houses. They have a place to live they can be proud of...and best of all, they call it "home".

How are these families selected?

The applicants for a home must meet the following requirements to be considered for a Habitat home:

• Be Leland residents
• Total family income should be at least 25% and not more than 50% of the local median income

for Washington County, based on family size
• Be currently living in sub-standard housing
• Have sufficient, sustainable income to assume a 20-year mortgage
• Have satisfactory debt/income ratio
• Be willing to work 500 hours on the house construction

Each house costs approximately $37,000. The size of the house is 1,100 square feet and includes a living room,
dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms, one bath, central heat/air, and a storage shed. Also included in this price is
the property on which the house is built.

Where do construction funds come from?

All construction funds come from individual donors, businesses, churches, LHFH fund-raising activities, and grants.

What makes the house affordable?

Volunteer construction workers build the houses.  Businesses and individuals donate some of the building materials.
The homeowner is not required to make a downpayment on the house when closing the house loan, and the
loan itself is a no-interest loan assumed for a 20-year period.

How are mortgage payments handled?

Homeowners make monthly payments to Leland Habitat for Humanity, including insurance and taxes. Insurance and tax
monies are held in an escrow account until due and is paid by Leland Habitat for Humanity to the insurance company and/or
taxing agency.

What happens to the mortgage payment?

The money received by LHFH for mortgage payments is recycled to build more Habitat houses. Leland Habitat for
Humanity is a non-profit organization. Therefore, all the monies received can be turned back into building more houses.

How many foreclosures has Leland Habitat for Humanity had?

None.  Homeowners are making timely payments.

What are the goals of Leland Habitat for Humanity?

Our goals are:

• To complete two houses in 2009
• To build 10 more houses over the next five years
• To eliminate sub-standard housing in Leland, Mississippi!!

Help us accomplish our goals by volunteering to work at the building site and serve on committees or Board of Directors.
You can provide funding, donate supplies and building materials, and support the activities of Leland Habitat for Humanity.
Help us build affordable, well-built houses in Leland, Mississippi, and eliminate sub-standard housing in our community.

Last Update: November 20, 2008