Stephanie Fost | Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County
Drive around Centre County and it is hard to miss the signs of residential real estate growth. Take it a step further and look online at local real estate, you will find more listings than you thought possible. What you won’t see are the large number families for which homeownership is just out of reach. For a hardworking family looking for housing in Centre County, the median home price of over $220,000 is unrealistic. For a little perspective, step into Blair County and that price drops to $117,000. Clearfield County median home price comes in at $93,000.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County (HFHGCC) faces the affordable housing challenge every day. The organization launched in Centre County 30 years ago with a simple focus - provide safe and affordable housing to Centre County residents. In that time more than 60 families have put their own sweat equity into building their home.
While many people have heard of Habitat for Humanity, many less understand how the organization is able to provide affordable housing across the community. Every Habitat homeowner is required to complete 350 hours of sweat equity prior to the sale of their home. Those hours can be completed at the build site, within the offices of Habitat, at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore or through limitless volunteer opportunities.
Homebuyers purchase their home through no-profit, no-interest loans. After purchasing their home the homebuyer pays for every aspect of their home such as upkeep, home improvements and mortgage payments. Additionally, HFHGCC relies heavily on community support to maintain affordability. For the newest Habitat home being built in Bellefonte, volunteers have already given over 1,700 hours of their time since July. Those
hours don’t include the volunteer manpower needed to find the lot, design the home and find the family that will live in the home.
Vital financial support comes in all forms- fundraisers, financial donations, in-kind products
and the generosity of those living in Centre County. Habitat believes that when we offer a hand up to a family in need of better shelter, that help places them on a path toward better health, more stability, and more possibilities. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County is currently building our newest home in Bellefonte. If you are interested in learning more about HFHGCC, our newest build or volunteering, visit www.habitatgcc.org or call
(814) 353-2390.
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