PURPOSE

Amherst County Habitat for Humanity (ACHFH) is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International; a Christian inspired, volunteer organization dedicated to building simple, decent homes in partnership with families that have no access to commercial mortgages.  Carefully selected on the basis of need for housing, ability to pay the affordable no-interest mortgage and the willingness to partner, the families contribute 300 hours of “sweat equity” to the construction of their own homes.  Mortgage payments are recycled into the program.  To carry out its program ACHFH coordinates the work of several committees including Family Selection, Family Support, Church Relations, Volunteer, Site Selection, Construction, Fundraising and Development.  There are two part-time employees, the Executive Director and the Office Manager.

BACKGROUND

ACHFH started in 1990 as a satellite of Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity and completed its first home in 1991.  In 1992 it organized itself as a tax-exempt corporation, became a full-fledged affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International and secured a contractors license.  Since 1991 with support of the Amherst County community and many dedicated individuals, 26 homes have been completed.  ACHFH has transformed the lives of 26 families and 73 of God’s people in need.  This represents a real estate investment of over $2.6 million with 95% of the construction funds being spent in Amherst County and the property tax revenues going to fund County Services.

CURRENT PROGRAM

Construction of House #27 is underway.  Three events (Bluegrass Concert, Gospel Choir Concert and 5K Walk/Run) have been successful fundraisers and will continue annually.  We currently have 14 building lots in inventory and are striving to increase community participation and contributions to boost house production.  

OUR IMPACT AROUND THE WORLD
As a Habitat affiliate, ten percent of locally donated funds are sent to Habitat International; unless the donation is designated for exclusive use in Amherst County .  Thus, Amherst County Habitat’s community of donors, with their tithes, have made it possible to build 16 houses in Africa and elsewhere, transforming the lives of 41 families—not only our neighbors in Amherst County, but around the world.

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE

The homes are built by ACHFH with volunteer labor for approximately $55,000 each, and have a current appraised market value of approximately $115,000.  With the mortgage income recycled back into programs and operations, ACHFH still needs to raise approximately $40,000 for each house, from donations by individuals, businesses, churches, and/or the donation of land, building materials, and in-kind services.  Volunteers are essential for committees, skilled and unskilled construction, special events and ongoing office projects.

April 2008