How do you volunteer for the program? Does anyone have any information?

I think it's great, and I hope a lot of people will take part and help build a new future for themselves.

I'm somewhat dubious though, considering some of the reports from the area. I've read on MSNBC that there is 20 percent unemployment, but help wanted signs everywhere.

How many people will just want someone (taxpayers) to buy them a new house and just move in? I understand the hardships that these victims have endured, as I am housing 2 Katrina victims in my home. These are hard working people that took the first job they could get and are rebuilding their future.

I was brought up to believe that you will not appreciate something that is given to you as much as something you've worked go obtain. Granted, Katrina took from these people what they had already earned, but working to get it back will make it that much more valuable.

I praise programs like Habitat for Humanity and hope that everyone that can will take advantage of this opportunity to rebuild into something they will cherish.

Can Habitat build on existing properties of homes that were lost during Katrina?

After watching this evening's news I was digusted to learn that hundreds of FEMA housing units (trailers)were sitting idle because certain 'well-bred' people in the area did not want these 'people'or 'trailers' in their neighborhood--Most of America was willing to take in stray dogs and cats from this ravaged area,but we want these people to have housing,'just not here'--Remember the words on the Statue of Liberty?? I always thought I would be proud to be from the South--What the hell is wrong with this Country anyway??

It is great that Habitat is doing this, but we would expect no less of this great program. Considering the number of people who are in need of housing quickly though, there needs to be consideration of building large low level residential housing complexes to accommodate more families until enough houses can be built. With proper design and care the safety and relocation of families would be beneficial for all.

Habitat should look at incorporating construction of steel beams with metal roofing/sides to make them more bullett proof from hurricanes. I'm sure that Hab. could get the materials at a group discount to make the house affordable over a stick built house. They are so careful not to be in flood prone area but not the "hurricane-free" area.

I have one thing too say about this "Program".
INMOP it is a "sham", being disabled myself in Wilmington, NC, Single parent w/daughters, they said I wasn't quailified?????? Even though I'm provided enough income and self labor too complete a project, 2 or several...
Be careful about this "program", It's TOO GOOD TOO BE TRUE. And Racialy BIASED, check the stats...
DWB Wilmington NC.

I am a freshman at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois. For my spring break, I will be helping out with the rebuilding process with about 25 of my fellow students and 3 faculty. I am completely enthralled to be a part of the relief effort and to offer a hand and a heart to those people briskly and unfortunately pushed aside by our government. These homeless hurricane victims need the kind and selfless assistance of their fellow Americans. Help me and the many many other volunteers to show that the government's carelessness is not held in the hearts and minds of the American citizens.

https://www.habitat.org/cd/relief/individual.aspx

A link to their official website.

no no no ...Bart Habitat is not taxpayers dollars it is an independent orgianizian...i have worked with Habitat before ...and would ...again....these folks have to pay for thier homes...but most labor is donated...and no interest....see

This sounds great, but it will be almost impossible to find "cheap" land that meets HFH's standards. Land prices across the south have gone sky high, especially near the coast.

Will Habitat build a home on our lot that we own in Bayside park? We lost our home in New Orleans.

Truly angels among us...we have witnessed this over and over...the love and kindness of strangers from all over this wonderful country....Jane, Pascagoula, MS

Habitat homes are a win-win situation for everyone...the owners help build, not just homes but new lives and seeing a project through from siting the ground frame to finishing the kitchen is the most awesome experience. It is a group effort and I hope that Habitat builds 10,000 homes!

Habitat for Humanity is a great organization to rebuild homes because Habitat works together with the families in need. The house is not a gift, it is not a handout. It is a partnership.

this is a greatidea.i think every body who cares about helping people should come on board with habitat for humanity.there a great organisation.would be glad to volunteer to help myself.why couldnt george w.think of that.

It is a great organization.

Habitat is always tere to help people who want to help themselves. I assume this project will be like the others with future owners donating sweet equity and will have a very low house payment. This way the people can take pride in ownership.

Sounds good! But, how & why are the loans interest "Free"?? It has to cost someone! There is no "Free" lunch. / Old fashion business man.

RITA was the one that Damaged Calcasieu /Cameron Parish and affected my Family- we had Damage to our house and moved out of state because we could no longer live in my Rented house- my daughter moved to Laffayette La and has been told by FEMA that she will be moving into a FEMA trailer... Only she can't move into one because there are none set up there yet so 3 months later she's still waiting while her husband is in the ARMY in Iraq.

"...Thats the thing about WASPS, they love animals, but hate people..."

It is odd how we can send iraq 85 billion dollars & tsunami victims so much but when it comes to our neighbors we depend on non profits to help.

I read that the reason many neighborhoods are reluctant to have the temp trailers is because it is extremely difficult to get people moved out of them and back into housing. The people housed in them in the Southwest after flooding several years ago are still there, and it's become a very bad area.
Having volunteered on Habitat projects in my area, I think it would be great to have people help build their own homes. You might be surprised that people will jump at the chance to feel empowered about their future.

Perhaps a number of major corporations, philanthropic organizations and wealthly individuals would be willing to donate notable amounts of cash and/or materials required in housing construction. If Habitat For Humanity has or can rapidly develop the management structure to handle even more projects, the housing problem could be solved a little faster.

Forest Grove, we have been long term monthly doners to Habitat. That is how the funding for projects like this comes about. You don't have to be wealthy, just faithful, to support Habitat's work. Now that Katrina has decimated my home town, I am happy to know that some of the funds we have donated may go to people I know and love. I'm not sure who qualifies, but I know everyone needs help. I hope, also, that the people with big donations come through, as well. You are right... nothing is free. The cost of Katrina's wrath on people's lives is immense.

Habitat is just one of a number of nonprofit organizations that work because of the time and donations of individuals and businesses.

It is heartwarming to both volunteer and watch others work together to help others. If you can't do it now, don't worry ... there will still be plenty of help needed this Spring, next summer, or even next year. Just give some of your time to one of the organizations!

We went (as a classroom) for a week to Waveland, MS before Thanksgiving and want to go again in the Spring.

This is all well and good, but it doesn't address the problems that I and others like me have. We owned our home (ours was damaged, but still standing, thank goodness), like others we paid our mortgages, paid our taxes, paid our insurance (gyped), etc. Yet no one is coming up to us and saying "We will rebuild your house or help you repair your house for no interest." Where is this type of help for the majority of the middle class that was wiped out?

The Response for Hurricane Rita, no one thought that people lost homes. Getting simple and correct answers were very hard to come by. agencies did not see us a desaster, unlike katrina we got no discounts or anything of the sort we were told to just wait well i am still waitng.

How do i contact someone from the Miss. area
Thank You

Anyone with any answers to the urgent need for housing the displaced victims of Katrina and Rita is at least making an effort. Does your race or status in the community really matter when you have no roof over your head. It seems that Habitat's efforts are at least a good start given the NIMBY attitude in New Orleans.

I think the folk in mississippi are so wonderful, I spent 2 week in Pass christiana after labor day helping and plan to go back when the weather warm up and I can camp out. Accommidation was the biggest reason for not staying longer, get those trailer in camp ground asap so we can help the residence rebuild. I love to teach the folk there how to paint.

If the material and labor is donated, then why is there a morgage. Doesn't Habitat build on the property already owned by the people there????? In Long Beach along there was hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands of empty lots where there was nothing but concrete slabs. I wouldn't think that acquiring land was too much an issue if the people still owned it. Am I mistaken in thinking that they are looking to buy more land in an attempt to build or is it another oppurtunity to have waste and abuse at the expense of the local people and the tax payers.

I've seen Habitat For Humanity's work. It is a good program. I am glad they are focusing on the stricken area. But please do not recommend they put up metal buildings for a hurricane zone. My family stretches from southeast TX to Hancock County MS. We saw all the big ones down there from Audrey to Rita. We see patterns in the aftermath. Wood flexes, so well built old-style wood houses often survive. Heavily reinforced concrete-and-steel commercial grade construction has a chance of surviving, and seems to be the only type with a good chance in Katrina's wind-driven tsunami. Brick buildings fall apart if hit by storm surge. Rain was driven by Rita through some of the newest walls into insulation, forcing otherwise intact brick homes to need gutting and rebuilding; so the way sheathing and exterior walls are built matters, and modern methods are not always best. Metal buildings fare worst in high wind, peeling apart. The rest of the country gets much of its fuel and food because of people who live in that coastal region, so rebuilding is needed. But if we want the new buildings to have a chance, we need to use lessons from what is still standing now.

Habitat has just produced a video about the devastation in the Gulf region. Go to their website.
www.habitat.org

So far NO leadership emerged to help in this Hurricane, from the Mayor of New Orleans and up.
The mayor ask us to come back!!
Rent is up by 70%, if found.*We should have rent controll over the next 2-3 years in the Metro area, AND rent to paid by FEMA for Lakeview , New Orleans for 2-3 years, plus subsidies in tax refund,,,for utility, moving expenses, gas mileage.

I live in Northern Louisiana and already there
have been problems in the trailer parks where FEMA trailers have been placed and are occupied by New Orleans evacuees in my area. I know most of these people just want to go home, but do you blame people who have worked hard to buy a nice home. I know I wouldn't want these trailers in my neighborhood. The reason: the crimes that have been committed by some of the evacuees that live in the FEMA trailers in this area. Many of these "families" have never worked a day in their lives and have always and will always depend on a free ride. That is the main problem. I hope and pray that the day never comes that my husband and I have to rely on public assistance. I have a great job and so does he, but we are not beyond flipping burgers or cleaning jobs to put food on the table.

I just hope that a few scumbags don't make the whole effort look bad.I like the idea on helping to build or in this case rebuild your own home is great. Yes some poeple are not able to swing a hammer but there is always some thing to do at a work site. If people are willing to get down to work to rebiuld their comunity you know band together it will make the area stronger (safty in numbers)these are things that makes the USA great but if someone is just looking for a hand out let them stay in a tent. I just hope that all the work that needs done will not drain the resourses of Habitat for Humanity to do work in other areas.

Hurray for Habitat, this is an excellent example of what must happen continuously for the next three to five years all along the gulf coast! It doesn't get the press that New Orleans does, but is just as needful. I would also suggest to Habitat that they consider shifting their focus somewhat from doing only new construction to taking on the more difficult job of restoration of existing gutted structure, which is what is most available all along the gulf coast. Its not as clean and neat and tidy, but it is what is in greatest need in the communities that are trying to rise from the flooding and winds.

We, as a country of individuals, can't wait for FEMA, federal, state or local entities to fix this disaster, it is simply beyond their ability to do so. Those entities can and should rebuild levies, bridges, infrastructure, and provide funding, but the scope and magnitude of the residential loss can only be addressed by each of us from our hearts and hands, not our taxes. We must act as individuals and as private sector groups, taking the initiative to bring relief to the thousands upon thousands of devastated families that were in the eye of Katrina and lost everything.

While I have for many years worked with Habitat on my local level, I am now working with Presbyterian Disaster Relief (PDA), one of many organizations stepping into this void with volunteer worker teams from across the country. Having already worked a week in Gautier, MS, over the Thanksgiving holiday, and now returning for a month in Gulfport, MS, next week, I can personally attest to the gravity of the situation faced by all the citizens of the gulf coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The destruction is beyond belief, the recovery will take years and years, and the social fabric of those communities has been altered permanently. We must not therefore point fingers at nameless agencies, but rather, each of us must look into our own hearts and do what we would want others to do for us, were we to find ourselves in harms way. When I surveyed the Biloxi, MS, area I was amazed to find that as far as I could drive all day, and as far as I could see, there was nothing but foundation slabs, debris piles and gutter structure, but people determined to rebuild and come back and just hanging on now. Their possessions were gone but their spirit rises like the Phoenix from the mud! We must not abandon them to the next news worthy catastrophe or to government systems that will move on to other more politically important issues inevitably. Each of us has something to give, and all such gifts will make a difference! Please, find what you can do and then do it, now!

I agree with the idea but, what about the trailer project? Some people are afraid to have that type of housing near their homes.. I think this is the time to band together as humans beings. Because if you treat people like dogs don't act surprise when you get bit

To Lanier Pratt, Durham, NC: God bless you for your insight and the work of your hands! We all need to look deep into our souls and ask ourselves what we would do if we and our families were in this situation. Thank God for good-hearted people like you and other volunteers who give so freely of themselves. It is hard work. It is grueling - emotionally and physically. HFH's efforts are to be commended; I do agree with the person who suggested that HFH consider a rebuilding effort for those whose homes have been gutted. As all of us that have worked there know so well, there are hundreds - if not thousands - of homes that have been gutted and now need loving hands to rebuild.

The first one went up last week!
The volenteers where part of a rebuiling group aranged by Chabad On Campus National.
for blogs and videos check out http://www.Chabad.edu

I live in Harrison county just over the city limits from the Pass. We have already had two trailers on our property while the people were waiting for power and water to be gotten back on line in their own neighborhoods. Everyone I know or hear about can hardly wait to get either a FEMA trailer or an RV they purchase on their own and locate it at their home site (whether their house is still there or not). They aren't asking to just sit in these trailers on someone else's property but just as a starting point. Hearing about these homes that will hopefully soon start to be build has given me the first positive feeling I have had in weeks.

No, Habitat can't help everyone -- prospective homeowners must be able to pay a mortgage, but can't earn so much that they go beyond Habitat guidelines -- but it *does* show how much progress can be made when a culture favors cooperation over competition. The Habitat system works: I've volunteered on more than 100 Habitat homes in three states and five countries, and often think it's done more for me than I've done for those homeowners. Habitat has restored my faith in people...and hopefully, will do the same for thousands of Americans displaced by Katrina and Rita.

I signed up online to to help Habitat in New Orleans, however I've received no call. Is anything going on? I've volunteered for Habitat before. I can give a week and have a place to stay nearby.

Cities and Thrones And Powers

Rudyard Kipling

Cities and Thrones and Powers,
Stand in Time's eye,
Almost as long as flowers,
Which daily die:
But, as new buds put forth,
To glad new men,
Out of the spent and unconsidered Earth, The Cities rise again.
This season's Daffodil,
She never hears
What change, what chance, what chill,
Cut down last year's:
But with bold countenance,
And knowledge small,
Esteems her seven days' continuance
To be perpetual.

So time that is o'er kind,
To all that be,
Ordains us e'en as blind,
As bold as she:
That in our very death,
And burial sure,
Shadow to shadow, well-persuaded, saith, "See how our works endure!"

I read this poem just days after the distruction and it is sad yet it has a glimmer of hope.It spoke to me inreference to rebuilding and that of hope for all who were devistated.
Humanity begins within the human heart.The contributions made to better a fellow man's life for no reason other than you are moved to do so, will have life changing effect that ripple like a pebble in a pond. Who's lives and the lives of children you will effect in helping a stranger rebuild their lives, beginning with charity of the heart and a few nails and lumber.supplies to help with the relief efforts Habitat is another venu where skilled labours and novices alike can lend a needed hand. Habitat for Humanity rebuilds families, communities and lives.. And with new hope may Habatit and all involved some day say "see how our work endures." As my church as gathered

God bless!

DWB -
Something isn't right about your experience/opinion of Habitat For Humanity. My daughter was just approved for a Habitat home. She's 24 years old. She has three daughters. She's in college Full Time and about to complete a double Associates Degree and go on to obtain her Bachelors.

She's a MINORITY. She works and has a great work history. Her credit score is in the low 600 range. She was denied the first time around, but after just 6 months and a few classes and meetings later-she was approved. She'll be moving in her new home in August 2006.

Habitat is wonderful. I have followed the program for many years. Trust me, if there is racial bias - I have never seen it and I now know (3) families who are homeowners because of Habitat. (All minority)

Their help in Mississippi, (LA) and (AL) will make a tremendous difference in so many lives. THANK YOU HABITAT! I plan on volunteering as many hours as possible in 2006.

Lynn, Michigan

Its a shame that some folks don't realize our obligation as citizens of the world to stand up for justice and the rights of the downtrodden globally. Kudos to Habitat (a non-profit) for these efforts at home. Freeing up monies for critical and equally important work our US government can and should do overseas. Its not simply a matter of should we... We Must. Or we are no better than the scum who are responsible for the great "man-made" problems like terrorism and genocide. Lets look at the good efforts like these and not be blinded by short sighted, selfish types. With any great accomplishments come great costs. Americans have paid these costs dearly for 2+ centuries. Let's not shrink from our responsibilities now because the demands are not nearly as great as in the past, but the rewards are greater still. Wake up America! Stop listening to the drivel that passes for "news" and read into things... Great things are happening out here, most just aren't paying much real attention. Most want to sit and watch TV or read the news. How about checking your facts, and being satisfied with the results when you realize... Nothing's as much of a scandal as the "news" would have you believe.

Hooray for MSNBC for taking the effort to offer an uplifting message about people trying to make a positive difference. Boo... to those who can only find faults and problems everywhere!

...What about "homeless" Katrina victims? Several
thousand homeless lived on the streets of New Orleans
when Katrina hit, many died.
No one offered these individuals any "habitat" homes or FEMA trailers, not one. Both the government
and private charities treat these people as a separate
lower class, not worthy of $2000 cash grants, nor a
nice trailer ,nor a home in rural areas.
Why must the main form of discrimination in this
country continue to be "economic" discrimination? Why
does one need to be "homeowner"or "renter", to get help in N.O.?
there are now 1.7 million chronic homeless in the
U.S.A. In danger of dying on the streets every day, yet not considered an "Emergency" by FEMA and churches and private charity.
Why?
signed, Lee Suba, Denver, CO

i have some matetials to donate...heat and air , plumbing and electrical....contact me

In response to the Once Proud Southerner. I just wanted to point out that the people stirring up the problems concerning the FEMA trailers are down in New Orleans and not our Gulf Coast area. Even our "well-bred" people would be proud to have a trailer at this stage. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for our neighbors on the Coast.

Wendy McDonald is an inspiration for all of us who wished we could help also. She makes us proud to be an American!!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA , AND ALL THE HARD WORKING PEOPLE GIONG THE EXTRA MILE!!!!!!!!!

Habitat for Humanity International is a great organization, and completely worthy of the donations that it receives. Please be aware, though, that contributions made to at national level fund projects at the "national" level. Such funds are NOT shared with the hundreds of "local" HFH chapters. When giving, please don't forget the projects that are helping those in your own community.

Wow...there is a real misunderstanding of what Habitat does. It doesn't build houses for people on their lots. It builds houses for people in need based on a criteria set by the national organization. Then, locally the Habitat board determines who qualifies for the homes. There is sweat equity required on all Habitat homes...plain and simple.

All these people questioning the land selection need simply to read what Habitat does and how it does it. It does great work.

Go to www.habitat.org to find out more. I only wish I knew more about it to explain it fully. The website explains it much better than I can do.

Habitat for humanity is a awsom way to get people back into there houses.I have read some comments here and i would like to see americans be americans we should have pride in our country,americans would do what they could do to help habitat do there job for these people.If every one in america would donate $1.00 habitate would not have any problems buying the land they need.I would like to see every one blaming our government for every thing that happends remember we are americans not winers.The people in america that i know always workshard never asked for hand outs and always help a neighbor when they are in need. Habitat is one of those American nonprofit that make me proud to be an American.
God Bless America our troops and our president.

Having just helped in their endeavors in Dallas, this is truly a plan of great magnitude, and surpassing accomplishment. Cheers to you HforH! I have sectioned off another few weekends here in Dallas and will be bringing my people over to help some more in the next few months. For those of you not familiar with the organization, they simply have a very successful process that gets families in homes that would not otherwise have the opportunity to own their own home. Having seen the results first hand, this ordanization is not only successful, but continues to challenge itself in an attempt to meet the housing needs of families. If you're trying to find a way to help them, they often leave weekend slots open on their sites for volunteer assistance in building their homes, and have local representatives all over the place. My group planned the volunteer time only a month beforehand and probably could have done the same in aslittle as two or three days. Regardless, cheers to HforH, this is a great thing you're doing!

But, again, what morgage???? If a person owns his/her own property and Habitat builds on top of that property (and its a charity) where does the morgage(besides the original one) come into play??
Maybe I need to have this explained to me like a 5yr old, but do they pay for the house being built??
Everyone I ask doesn't know the answer. Maybe someone will enlighten me.

To Wilmington NC poster,
Habitat is not racially biased. I worked on building about 10 habitat homes in Wilmington. Not one of them was for a white family.

I am amazed at the diversity of opinions listed here. I don't know what the glitches with Habitat are, re: not qualifying, etc. But I have seen myself the wonderful work that Habitat does. This year alone in my hometown, I cooked a dinner that served 500 to benefit Habitat...we raised a respectively small, but good sum to support the cause, wherever it needs to be applied, anywhere in the UNITED States. I personally know two families who are beneficiaries of Habitat homes right here in my hometown, one a good friend and one is a family member. The work that Habitat does, in philosophy alone, is phenomenal. My own personal philosophy is: DO WHAT YOU CAN WITH WHAT YOU HAVE WHERE YOU ARE!!! I am blown away by the resilient spirit of the human family to come together whenever necessary to bring about order in the midst of chaos, without any expectation of recompense....I am honored to do my small part with Habitat...for Humanity.

To Hugh in VA:

I have worked with HfH for over 12 years and been on various building and other committees, in addition to volunteering over 300 hours per year.

First, HfH does not build on your land/plot. They are not a contractor for hire. They do build houses on lots that they usually pay for (sometimes a city donates). Much, but not all, of the labor is donated. Some material is often donated as well. The rest is paid for in cash by HfH through money donated by local charitable contributions (Churches, businesses, individuals, etc). When the house is done, the actual out-of-pocket costs are well below what it would cost for a regular contractor. Perhaps $60K - 80K actual costs for a house that right away may be worth $90k - $120K (depends on location around the country, of course).

HfH "sells" these houses to qualified/select families. It is not a handout, its a real mortgage - though owned by HfH not a bank. The mortgage may be for more than the out of pocket costs of building, let's say for 80% of the market value of the house. Note that this is a 0% interest mortgage. That's a huge difference and makes the houses a good deal for the owners, often less than they would pay in rent.

The "profit" of motgaging the HfH house for more than the out of pocket costs of building just goes right back into building the next house for the next family.

I highly recommend the organization, they can use volunteers of all skill levels during construction. They also need volunteers that can help families with financial advice (many for the first time gather wequity in a home) and other support services after they move in.

Check out their website (habitat.org) for more info.

Ok, I'm really sorry people lost their homes to the hurricanes. I live in a hurricane area myself. People have to have the proper insurance coverage and be prepared for what may happen. Insurance companies need to do their part in paying out leggitimate claims. I have worked all my life beginning slinging burgers retail. Etc. I realized I had to get some training to do better. I want to support myself and I don't want the govt. to give me a handout. To all the hardworking people paying taxes and doing the right thing... I applaud you ... To all the lazy people waiting on the govt check handouts, wanting everything for nothing ,.you are a disgrace and it is you people that make us responsible people so hardened. I have to work for a living to take care of my family and so should you. The real bad thing it teaches your children how to stay in this poverty lazy cycle.
To all people who try and are the misfortunate I salute you for your efforts and I am willing to help anytime. People don't mind paying taxes and helping if you are truely needy....
Please go out and get a job it will make you feel much better about yourself...Go to social services and sit in there One hour and see if you see what I see... One comment from a lady with 3 children ,I don't know why I have to come in here every month to keep my check... Listen lady I have to show up at work everyday and work.. You should too...
Sorry thank you for letting me vent!!!!!!

I, too, am amazed at the breadth this topic has taken on. Very cool how the interest is growing.

First - if you donate to Habitat International, 10% of the funds will go to H.I. The rest will go to whatever you designate. And if you don't designate (such as Hancock County, or Katrina Relief), it will all go to H.I.

Second - if you volunteer through H.I., it is unknown when you will be called on to assist. There is rebuilding going on right now that local affiliates need volunteers for, but aren't allowed access to through H.I. So please go through the Gulf Region directly if you wish to volunteer NOW.

Third - they are running into difficulties due to rules that have no bearing on this particular catastrophe. They aren't into rebuilding communities - they are into helping individuals - so their rules just don't always fit, and they're trying to make them fit. So the growing pains and learning curve are both huge.

I am hoping they will allow some of these homes to be built on existing currently owned tracts of land - for selling, rebuying, clearing, trying to drill new wells, etc. is a waste of resources.

I know they aren't going to build on what is NOW considered flood plain, even if the gov't hasn't caught up to that idea. So people who would normally qualify, won't.

Fifth - since the land isn't the only part of any mortgage, the mortgage would include the building materials - which is still a hefty sum. I believe it's at least $35/sq foot.

The mortgage is interest free - which is why donations are necessary to keep the program working - the system pays itself back, but not when the cost of materials and shipment keep increasing. All it does is make a house more affordable for someone who just can't quite do the "bank thing".

And like so many have said - go too www.habitat.org for more information. AND, if you want to volunteer, go to www.habitat.org/local to find the affiliate closest to you.

If you want to volunteer now - please contact me. I might be able to find a team for you to join up with.

Leslie

HFH is a wonderful group getting important things done. One idea for consideration would be for HFH to use Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) which are super energy efficient, 4xs as strong as stickframe construction and can be erected in days not weeks. There are standard home "packages" which can be purchased and perhaps placed on existing foundations of privately owned homesites. One doesn't necessarily need to start from scratch. Just an idea.

We are a building company in Kentucky and are currently building a home in cooperation with our trade partners and supplyers to donate all profits to Habbitat in the affected area. Many people in this area want to help but are strapped finacially but are able to donate time to this project and some supplyers have donated or passed along materials at cost all in an effort to reduce cost and increase the profit and donation. You may contact us at martincustombuilding.com

THANK YOU HABITAT FOR HUMANITY. THOUGH I AM NOT A RECIPIENT OF YOUR GOD FILLED WORK, I THANK YOU JUST THE SAME FOR REACHING OUT TO THE NEEDS OF THE MANY AND TOUCHING THEM WHERE THEY NEEDED AN EMBRACE FROM A BROTHER OR A SISTER !!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL !!!

To Vic,
Thanks for the lesson and sorry to sound repetative, but why doesn't HFH build on THESE peoples land. If they have to purchase the land from someone before they can build, why not cut out the middle man and build right on exsisting property??? To me, i'd think they would save a boat load of money and do people the greatest of favors if they didn't have to buy property elsewhere. Does that make sense???? I know they aren't contractors, but if they build on an empty lot that someone owns as opposed to buying the land from someone else and THEN putting in utilities and foundation, seems that HFH is spending more money than is nessesary and those moneys can be focused elsewhere....

RE: Peggy, Fernley, Nevada "Can Habitat build on existing properties of homes that were lost during Katrina"

RE: Pauline Lalla, New Orleans "Will Habitat build a home on our lot in Bayside park? We lost our home in New Orleans"

RE: Hugh W. Sterling VA "If the material and labor is donated, then why is there a morgage. Doesn't Habitat build on the property already owned by the people there????? In Long Beach along there was hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands of empty lots where there was nothing but concrete slabs. I wouldn't think that acquiring land was too much an issue if the people still owned it. Am I mistaken in thinking that they are looking to buy more land in an attempt to build or is it another oppurtunity to have waste and abuse at the expense of the local people and the tax payers.

AND

But, again, what morgage???? If a person owns his/her own property and Habitat builds on top of that property (and its a charity) where does the morgage(besides the original one) come into play??
Maybe I need to have this explained to me like a 5yr old, but do they pay for the house being built??
Everyone I ask doesn't know the answer. Maybe someone will enlighten me. Hugh W. Sterling VA

(1) Habitat does not build a house on land that someone else already owns. Typically the Habitat homes are in a special type of mortgage-trust arrangement with the qualified buyer. If someone has vacant property AND there is NO prior mortgage on the property AND the person qualifies for the program (income restrictions and ability to pay the mortgage) AND can accept the size limitations on what they will build (small), there might be a remote possibility that they would work with the person IF (a) they signed the land over free and clear to group building the house, (b) and then the house was built and (c)the person signed the mortgage/trust agreement and deed with restrictions. (Of course, owning the land could disqualify someone on income/asset tests.) Whole lot of "Ifs" and "Maybes." I wouldn't give it beter than a 1 in 20 as a possibility.

(2) Most projects of the type that Habitat and similar organizations do have severe restrictions on any resale of the home by the one who buys the home from the sponsoring group. The purchaser is often restricted from selling it on the open market and must sell it to another low income individual who would qualify for the housing assistance offered by that program and at a price below market, which is typically set at the intial purchase price plus 1-3%. (This keeps the house built by the group, whose goal is to provide low-income housing, available for low-income buyers. No making a killing on the price increases in the market and pricing the house out of the reach of future low income buyers.) Whether Habitat will use such restrictions in a project is unknown.

(3) Hugh - mortgages run with the land. One doesn't just mortgage the house, but the land and anything on it.

(4) Any restrictions upon the resale of the property HAVE to be in the deed. The buyer of the house has to accept the deed with the restrictions(see above.) That is why the deed to the land has to come from the group sponsoring the house building. It can not be 'owned' by someone else and then the house is built by the charitable group/low income housing group. Whether such restriciotn will be placed upon a project of this size is unknown at this time. typically Habitat hasn't done so on single hoe projects. This, is however, a much larger undertaking in a market with a severe housing shortage which would entice the Habitat nuyer to then sell to make a considerable profit.

(5) Hugh - they are not going to build a house on land that someone owns that is already mortgaged. Can't do it and control the mortgage and property resale restrictions which have to be in the DEED, not the mortgage. Not going to happpen. No building a Habitat house on land where some bank or other already has a mortgage. End of discussion.

(6) Not all materials are donated - they have to buy quite a lot of materials and even with a discount, that adds up.

(7) The "taxpayers" have nothing to do with it. The money for Habitat is raised through charitable donations.

(8) All those vacant slabs? Even if the owners wanted to sell to Habitat, there is a slight problem with those lots. THEY FLOODED! Habitat is quite sensibly planning on NOT building in flood zones. Why spend all that time, all that donated work, and use up their scare and precious donated money to just have the place flood in the future? They just don't build in flood zones. PERIOD. Those lots with slabs flooded, hence, they are not suitable as they flooded.

(8) Habitat's income restrictions closely track the one's used by HUD for qualifying low income buyers. What HUD deems to be low-income varies from county to county and depends upon the median income in that specific area. Habitat usually limits its applicants to those whose income to NOT more than 50% of the median household income in a county. The median household income for 2 people in Biloxi would be about $30,000 and 1/2 that is $15,000; for 4 people is would be about $37,000 with 1/2 that being $18,500. (See HUD and Census data for median incomes.)

It is not clear from the article if Habitat intends to waive its income restrictions in Mississippi. It would be highly doubtful that they would contemplate doing such a thing since their income restriction guidelines are probably contained in their charter and other internal rules not easily modified.

What will it take to qualify? Most likey this:

(a) have an income of less than 50% of the median household income in the area if Habitat follows their ususal income rules (ex: less than $20 - 25,000 a year)

(b) not have the assets to pay for a house (meaning, that someone with a Social Security income of $16,000 a year but having $300,000 in the bank won't qualify.)

(c) have a job that will pay the mortgage (20-30%) of income), taxes and insurance without taking a total of more than 30-40% of income to do it.

(d) the land be owned by Habitat - whether they prchase it or whether it is given to them free and clear. Rule 1 is never build something on land you don't own. They start the house on land owned by someone else, the house is partly done, the owener backs out of the deal, Habitat is out and can only go after the landowner for the actaully cash spent.

(e) the land not be in a flood zone.

I am interested in getting a Habitat home. Right now I'm working hard to pay for a mortgage. Most of my mortgage payment goes to interest. With an interest-free below-cost home, I could swap my nice-paying but boring job for something enjoyable or part-time, or have an extra child I couldn’t otherwise afford. Aren't children a biological right that society—not me—should provide for? Seriously, I just want a house built with donated materials & labor so I can sell it for a tidy profit as soon as Habitat's rules allow; after all, that would be financially prudent and wouldn't the Habitat folks want me to be that? I don't see where I can sign up for a house on Habitat's website. I'm not down on my luck now. But I'm willing to temporarily become down on my luck and even shed fake tears to get subsidized shelter. I wonder how many of Habitat's "homeless" were too.

I forgot the other requirement for a Haitat house and mortgage - substantially good credit.

It is harder to qualify than most people realize with the maximum income restrictions based upon household size, employment history, minimum income level for the payments and the credit record.

I think the Habitat program is great and the main thing is that they are at least helping people to get their lives back together. I went with 5 other guys to Pascagoula, MS for a week at the end of October. We helped 3 families by re-drywalling there houses. The families were really grateful and I think we got more out of it than we gave. Two members of the families worked with us while we were there and have taught other people how to install drywall. So another good thing to come out of our visit was that people have learned a skill and can help themselves.
The week that I spent in Pascagoula, helping the victims of Katrina & Rita, was really a life changing experience.

Thanks A. Carr for consolidating all the questions and answers. For those of you interested in volunteering in Hancock County (Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Diamondhead, & Kiln, MS) please note that Habitat Metro Jackson is the affiliate responsible for construction projects in Hancock County. http://www.habitat.org/script/link.asp?url=www%2Ehabitatjackson%2Eorg

this dicusion is going farther than i thought it could....there are many good points made...pro and con...i hear ya all........undesided at this time

Thank You so much A. Carr for the very informative list of qualifications needed to build a HFH house. I hadn't realized all the red tape and bs even an organization like HFH has to put up with just to perform a little charitable or humanitarian act. I guess that when you deal with morgage companies, contracts and the like, trying to get people minimum shelter is not going to get in the way of them making a dollar. I understand that they can not build on existing property with a morgage, but we are looking at a extrodinary event occuring over a large area. I think that somethings can be sacrificed, rules can be bent or broken to make the process move faster. Rebuild cities and towns ASAP, rebuild businesses ASAP - then the economy of the area can come back and stablize. So many shops, gas station, little mom/pop stores, retail stores all the places people worked are gone. For much of this to all come back, some suspension of rules are going to have to happen...
A.Carr, I do understand now, but still not happy with the system. Thanks.

David, Wilmington, NC

This form is not about you, this about people who lost their home and lives. Why do you want the world to know you pay taxes, I pay taxes to and I’m willing to help the people in New Orleans and gulf of Mississippi? I hope you teach your children to care for others. And not like you, cold heart republican, if you not republican you sure sound like one.

Sam that a shame, you are so jealous, of others, and the persons you should be mad at is your government. The reason why you in the shape you is in, is because of your president bush. Get angry at your government, and the high taxes he is making you pay. And taking care of illegal immigrates, that will have a better life than you.

I was reading a magazine today and came across an article about an organization called Operation Home, I think they are located in South Carolina. They receive donations from companies and individuals and they help people in need do repairs on their houses so they can continue to live in them. Wouldn't this be something that could be put to use in our area?

I'm going down to help out with the relief efforts on Jan. 12-16, 2006. It will be great to see how my efforts working down in a kitchen will help produce more results with this disaster relief. I pray for others who feel compelled to help, to actually pull some energy from there own life and put it to use where it is needed down in the gulf and in disaster areas. Check out some disaster relief organizations who you can help with. www.emergencycommunites.org

I get a bit frustrated with those embracing NIMBY. Trailers are not sufficient? Are you serious? Have you ever seen pictures or heard stories from third world countries? There are people who have never lived in something as nice as a trailer but still know how to live a happy purposeful life. There's more to life than having your own room and a big kitchen.
I completely agree with a statement a while back. What do we expect when we treat people like dogs, don't be surprised when someone gets bit. or something like that. I don't think people are biting because of the fact that they're living in a trailer. If so, well then quite frankly, get over it. But because of the way they are treated by neighbors who don't want them living by their homes. Of course, with such condesention like that, it'll make anyone bitter. What just because I don't live in a place as nice as yours, wear clothes that appeal to your eye, or smell good. Have these become standards of saying a simple hello or even worse an offer of help. Absolutely ridiculous. Just because our food doesn't taste good every night and we can't buy you gifts to bring over as a good neighbor gesture. I can though warm a cup of coffee to sit and chat for a while. I know how to talk. I know how to shake your hand. I was born from my mommas womb just the same way you were.

i found the artical in news week and it totally outraged me:

Jan. 9, 2006 issue - As Katrina evacuees scrambled to find homes, whites were given incentives to rent in some places, while blacks were charged extra or politely turned away 66 percent of the time, according to a five-state report by the National Fair Housing Alliance. The group filed complaints against five complexes with the Department of Housing and Urban Development in December—and will likely file more this month. Its New Orleans affiliate, the Fair Housing Action Center, is also suing five online housing billboards for troubling posts. On katrinahousing.org, for example, offers for shelter have been extended to a "white American family" or "a white couple." Paul Wilson, the site's director, says he may now install a filter for those posts. "We're not trying to discriminate—just provide housing for those that need it."The complaints come as FEMA's Jan. 7 deadline for covering temporary housing costs fast approaches. Many of the 37,000 families in hotels and motels will soon need to find permanent homes. This month, HUD's launching a national ad campaign to encourage evacuees to report discrimination. "Because [the bias] is so subtle, it's extremely effective," says Shanna Smith, the alliance's president. And it's one more barrier for the homeless.

The Discovery Channel just aired a special about the fault line in the pacific that is similar to the one that caused the tsunami last year. If the experts are correct, the pacific northwest is in danger of a similarly devastating event that may just grant Sam from Oregon his wish. Take a ride down here Sam and you'll get a first-hand look at what your life could be like when, not if, the next "major disaster" strikes this country. When that "nice paying but boring job" you have disappears because the city you work in is GONE (as is the city next to it where you live), and when that mortgage payment is due on the slab where your house WAS, I'll be more than happy to listen to your wise-ass remarks.

Do you have building materials to donate, heavy equiptment, or fleet delivery trucks? Hancock County Missippi EOC (Emergency Operations Center) www.hancockeoc.com or call 1.228.466.8200 and ask for Joe Williams or Bryan Adams

These messages are a fascinating read. The collage of opinions is loaded with conflict and love and insight and ignorance, just like the collage of human beings that make up this country. From the resentment regarding handouts to the commitment to help our fellowman, we obviously have axiomatic issues to resolve. But meanwhile, one by one, if each of us tries to live the way we think others should live, and each of us tries to solve the problem however we see it, then step by step we will find our ways to a place of common ground. I salute every one of you for expressing yourselves. And look forward to meeting you on that common ground.

I pray for all that is down here in the aftermath cleanup .. My brother is one of them ... and for the people the .. God is with you .. and prayers from my family to yours .. May God bless everyone with the strength and health to be able to do this ,
GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Can someone get me the email address for Wendy McDonald and or the company responsible for rebuilding houses. Mine is in Slidell, La. I need help. Thanks, Shirley

Thats the way to tell it Pam!! But Sam will not only have to deal with an overdue tsunami, but a overdue to erupt Mt. Rainier. See Sam, shelter is one of the basic nessesities humans (and i'll even put you in that catagory) need to survive. You had better be super carful on what you say and critisize. You can be next. HFH screens people for a whole bunch of reasons and qualification. Sounds to me that if you needed one, you'd be turned down.

We have since moved to Oklahoma City from Waveland Ms. after the Hurricane hit. I have been trying to buy a house for years and we may actually get one. The local Habitat Chapter here in Oklahoma is considering us for the program. Habitat has been wonderful to us and hopefully we will get to help build our new house. We have been to the application meeting and my husband has just gotten another job, he was fired from his first one EVEN though they knew he was DISPLACED due to Katrina, and was given permission to go to MS to shovel threw what
was left.
We were lucky, got one picture book and a half a truck load of "nick-nacks"........a whole lot more than we expected. Sometimes I wish I wouldn't of found anything, everytime I look at any of it I know the most important was not there, my mother's ashes and my three dogs:( I coudn't live there I cryed the last time I drove up 603 away from my home. I respect and admire the people of my hometown who have stayed they are strong. Having given birth two weeks before Katrina hit and the loss of my mother suddenly in April I just couldn't do it.

everyone that i was involved with working with with Habitat were good hard working people....{except for a lawyer....i still ain't sure about him??}.....Great orgainizion....BUILD BACK OUR COAST....THANKS

Hello, my name is Larry Gongaware, I am the Chief Sales Officer for Morgan Willows development out of Fernley Nevada. I am doing a little research on the need of our product line of full scale luxury homes in New Orleans. Morgan Willows Homes is a self efficient, self reliant home manufacturing project that can literally built a two story stick built home in a matter of 7 days. At a fraction of cost and time it takes a average development company in today’s world it will save the consumer a ton of money and time. Its the new revolution to home development. It is what automation did for the automobile industry and is now doing for the home industry. We market development companies, private builders or average Joes who just wants a luxury home. for more details and interest feel free to email me and I will send you a full scale video of opportunity.

Sincerely,

Larry Gongaware
CSO

I am willing to volunter my services as a Professional Community Planner, if I knew who to contact? I have contacted FEMA but received no response.

Habitat for Humanity: This is indeed a beautifull effort by so many Americans/foreigners to bring housing to Karina and other victems. This is a good time for all(whites,blacks,hispanics,asian,poles,germans,europeans) to get off the well fair payrolls and help themselves to a better life for themselves and their children. Come on folks, the government dose't OWN you NOTHING,NADA,ZILTS!! My wife and I bought a condo in Slidell in 7/2005. We got water damage, We lost some stuff. But like so many others, only GOD can take away the pride,self esteem,self respect and determination to move forward and re-build. Stop the belly aching about complaining about jobs not been avaiable. Everywhere I go in Miss or LA, there are Help Wanted signs everwhere. Get off your lazy butts and help clean and re-build your homes and cities. I was a very well paid IT professional. I'll work at anything just to get off my butt and contribute to rebuild this great area again.

I am so sick of hearing about black and white. Why is it always discrimination against blacks and never whites? Oprah Winfrey just built a whole subdivision in Houston and not one white family in the bunch. To make it worse, she is from Mississippi and sure hasn't helped anyone here. Get over it people. Everyone needs a hand now and then, black or white. The hurricane sure didn't pick out only poor black people. Habitat for Humanity does great work and I'm sure they will help who needs it the most, and be totally color blind.

Hello,

My name is Larry Gongaware and I am the Chief Sales Officer for Morgan Willows Homes based in Fernley Nevada. I am doing a little research in regards to the need of our product line of panelized walls for new construction homes. You design and we will accommodate, that’s the motto. Morgan Willows Homes is a self efficient and self reliant home manufacturing company. We can literally build a two story stick built home in a matter of days, not months. It takes approximately 3 hours to stand the walls on their site. This is a fraction of what a development company or builder in today’s market is doing “the old fashion way“. It will save the consumer money and time, and help control the cost for the builders. It also eliminates the 15% of on-site waste. We guarantee on-time 24 hr delivery on all of our panelized walls. It’s a win-win situation. This is the new revolution for home development and building. Automation is now doing for the home industry what it did for the automobile industry. We pride ourselves on marketing by networking with Development Companies, Builders, or “average Joes” who just want a home. For more details feel free to email me at ldgongaware@hotmail.com. There is a great deal of opportunity for everyone.

Sincerely,
Larry Gongaware, CSO

This is to Ms. Marybeth Gex Denney of Waveland Mississippi. I am one of the people that BOUGHT one of the Habitat built homes in the subdivision in Houston Texas, and we do have white families in our newly built neighborhood. Unlike you, I know of what I speak. It is misinformed people like yourself, that spew misinformed thoughts, that cause ill feelings in society. Next time, make sure you really know BEFORE you make false comments and misinform everyone else. Those of us actually living in our neighborhood would really appreciate it! Oh, and one more thing...OPRAH did NOT build these homes, we, the homeowners did along with hundreds of volunteers! Like I said, get it right or please don't say anything!

hi my name is anna i went through the hurricane katrina. with my elder mother . we lost my dad one month before the hurricane .Then 2weeks later my mom at 65 had 2to have surgery on her shoulder.So my mom couldnt leave for the hurricane. So we were in her house in slidell la.we were flooded at 8:30 am .so we went into a eighteen wheeler container and rode out the rest of the hurricane .It was very scary but we made it. It took us a week to leave this area with the gas problem .But i got her to my brothers house in north carlolina i came back home to fix my house and hers to . It took me almost 2 years to try and get her back home ! she still isnt home yet she is still in north carlina .this is the 3rd time she has lost everything ! my mom and dad have raised 6 kids in that house .my dad pasted away in that house . It means alot to my mom !! But i have to get raised before she can come home. Because she is getting to old to keep rebuilding .It is hard but if you want something bad enough you will work for it !!! trust me it hasnt been easy !! but anything worth haveing is worth working for !! So if anybody no someone to raise a home please write to me . I will take out a loan just so i no my mom want ever flooded again !! So she will be safe and not loss everything they worked for 38 years. I am not asking for any hand outs. I am just looking to get my mom home and safe !! Her and my kids are all i got ! I worry about her Being up their by her self . My brother is up their but he travels alot with his job .But like i said i am not looking for a handout. I managed to fix her house and mine. but i still have to get it raised . And i need someone that want take advantage of a old lady or a single mom. thank you if you could help please write to me