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To: GraceZ who wrote (175368)	1/6/2009 2:11:33 PM
From: Travis_Bickle	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 306849

Once I volunteered to fix bikes for a non-profit that helped homeless guys get on their feet ... the idea was they would ride the bikes to work. But the bikes they were buying (at inflated prices) from thrift shops were all Chinese crap that you can't get parts for, so they were very difficult to fix. I offered to find them bikes with brand-name components through the classifieds ... better bike + lower price + easy to fix = win win win All I got was a blank stare.

To: GraceZ who wrote (175368)	1/6/2009 3:59:29 PM
From: coug	Respond to of 306849

Thanks for the nice response. First I want to apologize if I sounded too harsh and about your name..:).. From what I know about it around here, it has worked very well. Owners have both equity and sweat equity in their place..A hand up, not a hand out as they say..:) Besides they have a neat little, or not so little, "retail store" where they sell all kinds of leftover construction materials donated by contractors and individuals alike for cents on the dollar which helps people already in their homes keep them up.... I have both bought and donated there.. You can get a coffee can of good nails, bolts and nuts, lags, screws, etc. for a buck or so a can.. :) Plus sometimes they have hard to find hardware, fasteners, etc. if one wants to take time to paw through their bins and barrels of stuff.. PS: That article kicking around a day or so ago was the first negative publicity I had EVER seen or heard about them.. Here is a link to their local web site with some FAQs.. tmhh.org Where does TMHH build? Currently we are building in Stead, on land that was donated by the City of Reno. We have enough land to build 13 homes. In the past we have built in Northwest, Central and North Reno as well as Sun Valley and Sparks. How do I apply? By completing a short Habitat for Humanity homeowner application. Your can request an application packet that includes the needed application and informative handouts by contacting the office by filling out the Quick Contact Form and requesting the information sent to your residence. How will my credit affect my chances? Unlike traditional lending institutions Habitat for Humanity understands the credit challenges of low-income families. We are looking for families that are making an effort, but we realize perfect credit is not always realistic. Do I get to choose where my home is built? Habitat builds on whatever land is available at the time. Home sites are designated on a first come first serve basis. What are the monthly payments? Monthly payments are based on several factors such as the cost to build the home and family income at the time of move in. The average homeowners' loan payments including taxes and insurance are about $400.00 a month. This is about half of the average rent for the Truckee Meadows. How long does it take to get approved? Once you have completed and returned your application it will be reviewed by staff and volunteers to see if it is complete and meets the minimum qualifications. If so, you will receive a request for additional information. When received and reviewed your application is sent to committee whom decides if a home visit is warranted. The whole process should take can take a couple of months from beginning to end but is worth the wait. How long does it take to build a home? This is due to the fact that we rely on volunteer labor, and tax-deductible donations of money and materials to build our houses. Bankruptcy how will it affect my application? If you have filed for bankruptcy in the past and it has been discharged it will not affect your chances of being approved for a Habitat for Humanity Home. If your bankruptcy has not been discharged we would ask that you complete that process before you apply. What is sweat equity? Sweat equity is the term used to describe the volunteer hours that each approved homeowner is required to perform. Each homeowner is required to put in 500 hours towards building their home and the homes of other potential homeowners, as well as taking classes in homeownership, budgeting, and financial management. Who controls and manages TMHH? Each affiliate is an independently governed entity. TMHH has a Board of Directors (all volunteers) who conduct their own fundraising and set their own policy. In addition, TMHH has a full time professional staff to manage the daily operations of the affiliate. How does it work? Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, TMHH builds and renovates safe, affordable houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to the families at no profit and financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The monthly mortgage payments of into a revolving Fund for Humanity that is used to build even more homes. A "Hand-Up" not a "Hand-Out" Habitat is not a give-away program. In addition to a 1% cash down payment and monthly mortgage payments, first-time homeowners who meet the selection criteria of the Family Selection Committee invest 500 hours of their own labor ("sweat equity") into the building of their homes, other Habitat homes, and other TMHH activities. How does Habitat work with the Government? Habitat does accept government funds for the acquisition of land or houses in need of rehabilitation. Habitat does not accept government funds for construction costs. Habitat also accepts government funds for streets, utilities and administrative expenses. Habitat is a non-profit Christian housing ministry, not a government organization. How does Habitat Fund its Building and Program Activity? TMHH invites individuals, corporations, foundations, religious congregations or other organizations to "adopt" or sponsor a Habitat home or part of one. Through this partnership, sponsors supply funds to cover material and construction costs, permit fees and taxes. They also provide volunteers to work with the homeowners and skilled construction workers in the construction of the houses. Each affiliate raises its own funds to build houses. Affiliates also tithe a portion of unrestricted funds to HFHI to support the construction of homes around the world. Who can build? Anyone over the age of 16 can build at an TMHH construction site. No previous construction skill is required. Volunteers are scheduled for construction, store and office needs through our Volunteer Page. Is Habitat a Christian Organization? TMHH is based on Christian ideals, but is open to people of all religions. You do not have to be Christian to volunteer or apply for housing.