Why Habitat for Humanity Is Bad

2 years ago
5 mins 1 sec

Some have indicated that there are reasons why Habitat for Humanity is bad for those occupying their homes. Habitat for Humanity is a renowned nongovernmental organization in the United States, known for charity by providing shelter. Since they began, they have built, rebuilt, and renovated over 600,000 houses globally, thereby sheltering over six million people. 

The primary reason why Habitat for Humanity is terrible is that owners cannot make any renovations to their homes. Additionally, you cannot perform any action on your own without consulting with your Habitat for Humanity first. Furthermore, the fact that they give free houses is only a misconception. Although you’ll have to work and qualify for the house, it’s never really yours. 

Are their numerous good deeds enough to justify some of the downsides of the organization? Keep reading to learn more about why Habitat for Humanity is terrible. 

What Is Habitat for Humanity? 

Habitat for Humanity International opened its doors in 1976 in Atlanta, Georgia, as a charitable organization. Millard and Linda Fuller were the ones who began the Christian organization. The organization’s mission was to end housing problems by allowing low-income families to become homeowners.

The worldwide Habitat for Humanity builds homes in over 70 countries. They operate in several locations, including Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Canada. HFH is also active in the US, Caribbean, and other parts of Latin America. 

Millions of people in several parts of the globe have benefited from their works. Furthermore, it helps families gain strength, stability, and self-sufficiency.

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What Does Habitat for Humanity Do? 

Habitat for Humanity works basically as a voluntary organisation for finding shelter. According to the group, finding a home should not be a worry for anyone at any time.

So, what does Habitat for Humanity accomplish? The non-profit organization assists people with home repairs, improvements, and building.

Whether you’re homeless or trying to better your current living situation, Habitat for Humanity can assist you. However, you must be willing to put in some “sweat equity” to buy a house through this club.

This equity refers to the time it will take a future homeowner to develop an HFH home. Prospective homeowners must work together with other volunteers and be willing to take out a low-interest loan.

As a result, Habitat for Humanity makes energy-efficient home construction simple. They also offer sanitation and water solutions, disaster relief, and housing microfinance loan aid.

Why Habitat for Humanity Is Bad

Since it began as a Christian organization, HFH has aimed to project a positive image. Don’t forget it assists the poor in finding a suitable home. Yet, several people have expressed unusual reasons why Habitat for Humanity is terrible.

Here are some valid reasons why Habitat for Humanity is terrible. 

1. It Demands Sweat Equity 

Providing this means volunteering to work hand-in-hand with HFH to build other homes. This is one of the compulsory things you must do to secure a home with the organization.

Sweat equity varies for each person depending on their needs. However, in most cases, wannabe homeowners have to put in at least 60 hours monthly. The minimum you can invest is 100 hours, though the numbers could scale up to 500 hours.

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Most applicants are discouraged by these demands and most times top their chase for a home with HFH. Furthermore, remember that you may have to take homeowners and financial classes by HFH.

2. No Freedom for Renovations

One of the significant drawbacks of Habitat for Humanity homes is that it restricts homeowners from making substantial renovations. You cannot refurbish their homes for a specified period, usually ten years. However, the Habitat for Humanity you’re dealing with can also decide the time.

If you want a house with the opportunity to make significant renovations, HFH isn’t for you. On the other hand, they’re perfect for persons looking to have a roof over their heads, renovations or not.

3. Their Homes Are Not Free

Many people believe that HFH (Habitat for Humanity) provides free homes to families; however, this is a myth. After finding that it is not free, most people give this as a reason why Habitat for Humanity is not good.

A family who wants to buy a Habitat home can get a mortgage with no interest and no money down. Individuals can then purchase their properties from HFH at a fair market price. As a result, HFH is unable to offer free housing. 

 4.Only Specific People Are Eligible

Being poor does not qualify you for an HFH home. You must meet specific requirements. 

Most individuals dislike the idea that the non-profit organization uses precise criteria to qualify potential donors. They want HFH to help everyone who needs housing, even if it isn’t visible.

Nevertheless, HFH has laid out their criteria covering your location and workplace, to even how much you earn. Believing that you’re eligible simply because you’re ‘poor’ is only a myth. And this is one reason why Habitat for Humanity is terrible.

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5. It Is Never Fully Yours

Many people want a home that they tailor to their tastes. Habitat for Humanity (HFH) is not for you if this describes you. That isn’t to suggest that HFH homes aren’t comfortable, low-maintenance, and well-equipped.

Still, don’t get your hopes up. You might be one of the people who believe that HFH homes are luxurious. However, the organization only provides adequate living space for qualified people.

Don’t think you now own the home because you satisfied all HFH’s ownership requirements. If chance is on your side and you find a more excellent apartment, you must notify HFH before selling the house.

This makes one of the significant reasons why Habitat for Humanity is terrible. HFH owns the right of first refusal. If they agree to buy the house, they will do it for a price that might not favour you.

Conclusion

Just like any other organization, HFH has its good and bad sides. However, applying for a house is pointless if you are unfamiliar with the organization’s functioning processes.

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