Photo provided by Habitat for Humanity-Willamette West
President Jimmy Carter did not start Habitat for Humanity but he is the organization’s most famous volunteer. Elena Uhing, director of Habitat for Humanity- Willamette West explained that the international organization is the parent of all the affiliated Habitat organizations—including 35 in Oregon–that build housing for families in need.
Elena is well-suited to lead an organization that gives a hand-up to people trying to climb out of poverty. She comes from “generational Poverty,” and is the first person in her family to have graduated high school and college—she is a PSU graduate—and to own a home.
Habitat is primarily a volunteer organization and 60% of all labor is done by volunteers. Seventy-nine percent of all funds raised by the organization go back into building projects. Nine percent goes for fund raising. It’s no wonder that the parent organization gets a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator and a 97% for transparency and accountability.
Habitat Willamette West serves families who earn 30% – 60% of the median family income in Washington County ($44, 340 for a family of 4). Families who are chosen to receive a new Habitat home go through a rigorous application and vetting process. They must meet three primary criteria: need, ability to pay a mortgage, and willingness to partner with Habitat. They are required to provide sweat equity by participating in the building of their home, and they attend classes in subjects such as home maintenance, finance, and budgeting. Habitat mortgages have 30-year terms with zero down and zero interest, and Habitat has first right of refusal to repurchase homes sold before the 30 years are up.
Willamette West has built 463 homes over the years, but the impact of Habitat’s work in Washington County goes beyond providing homes for families of limited means. For every six houses built, $1 million goes back into the local economy. Children who have stable homes fare better overall and there is a 92% high school graduation rate among Habitat children. Habitat is proud of its mission to “build futures, not just homes.”
Habitat needs a steady source of volunteer workers and provides many opportunities for people of all skill levels to get involved. The organization holds “Women’s Build” and “Team Build” events every year. If you can swing a hammer, you can help build a Habitat house. Willamette West also needs board members, office support, event coordinators, and fund raisers. Portland area Habitat Re-Stores collect and sell furniture and building materials, raising about $400,000 per quarter for Willamette West.
Current projects in Washington County include the Allen Estates in Beaverton that will include 24 homes, and Denny Gardens in Beaverton that will commence construction of 16 homes in fall 2017. The Denny Gardens project includes a restored, onsite wetland area and a neighborhood park.
For more information about Willamette West Habitat for Humanity, visit office@habitatwest.org.