What is Habitat for Humanity?
Formed in 1976, Habitat for Humanity is a worldwide Christian ministry whose vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Our local affiliate, Mitchell-Yancey Habitat, was started in 1992 and to date we have built 20 homes in our two-county service area, using volunteer labor and donations.
Where do you build homes?
We build homes in Mitchell and Yancey counties with the goal of building one home per year. We try to alternate counties where we build, so when we build a home in Mitchell County one year, the next year we build a home in Yancey County.
Are Habitat homes free?
No. Our partner families purchase these houses through affordable, low-interest mortgage loans. Their monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses. Homeowners are required to invest hundreds of hours of their own labor into building their Habitat house as well as the houses of others to pay it forward.
How are families selected to receive Habitat houses?
Families in need of decent shelter apply to local Habitat affiliates. Our family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program, and their ability to repay the loan.
How much does a Habitat home cost?
We try to keep the cost of the mortgage around $160,000.
Do you have to go to a particular church in order to qualify for Habitat housing?
No. We follow a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection; neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families who receive Habitat houses. As a matter of policy, Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations do not proselytize. This means that Habitat will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must either adhere to or convert to a particular faith, or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.
What construction projects do you have ongoing right now?
We recently began a total renovation of an abandoned house in Burnsville. We hope to begin the next new house on small subdivision in Mitchell County early in 2025.
How does Habitat receive funding for construction projects?
We have three primary funding sources: (1) Our partner families make monthly mortgage payments to Habitat. The payments are used to fund new construction. (2) We rely heavily on generous donations from churches, organizations, and individuals like you who share our vision for affordable housing. (3) We use proceeds from sales at our ReStore at 563 Oak St. (Upper Street), in Spruce Pine.
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes. Mitchell-Yancey Habitat for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.
How can I donate to Mitchell-Yancey Habitat?
You can make a secure donation online using PayPal or a credit card; use the button at the top of the page. You can also send a check to “Mitchell-Yancey Habitat for Humanity,” 563 Oak St., Spruce Pine, NC 28777.
I'd like to volunteer!! How do I sign up?
Habitat can use you and your talents! We have construction volunteer opportunities as well as ongoing needs for volunteers at our ReStore. Please complete the online volunteer form, give us a call at 828-766-9000, or email Misty Evans at myhfhvolcord@yahoo.com.