every
hand
makes a difference.
Construction Welcome
Good afternoon, and thank you for your commitment to volunteer on our build site!
To ensure everyone has a safe and successful build day, this webpage contains a brief overview of Habitat basics and what you will need to know about volunteering on our construction site. Please read over this information in its entirety to ensure you are fully prepared to volunteer on the construction site.
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Our Volunteer Construction Crew Leaders will meet you at the site and will guide you in the day's activities. You do not need to have any construction knowledge or experience. A short safety video is included below, and we will go over more detailed construction safety when you arrive on-site.
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Thank you again for partnering with us and helping families in our community to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.
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If you have any additional questions after reviewing this welcome information, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Day-of Information
Time
We will be building from 10 am-3 pm.
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Food
Lunch will be provided. Please bring a bagged lunch if you have any food restrictions or special dietary needs.
Site Location & Parking
The site is located at 323 Linden Street in Matthews. Parking is available at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church (across from the site).
What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
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Habitat works toward our vision by building strength, stability, and self-reliance in partnership with families in need of decent and affordable housing. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.
About Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity
Community-level Habitat for Humanity offices serve a specific community on behalf of Habitat for Humanity International. Each local office coordinates all aspects of local home building in its local area.
Our Greater Matthews office serves Matthews, Mint Hill, and Stallings. We were incorporated as a nonprofit organization on July 10, 1989. To date, with the help of many hardworking and committed volunteers and partner families, we have built over 116 homes in 9 neighborhoods in the Greater Matthews community.
Site Safety
Stay Hydrated
Water is available on site: make sure you are drinking it regularly and you take breaks in the shade as needed. Please bring a reusable water bottle to help us be green.
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Minors
No one under the age of 16 is allowed to be on active construction site. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a waiver completed by their parent or guardian and have it turned into the Construction Team at the beginning of the day. No one under the age of 18 may use power tools or be higher than 6 feet off the ground.
What to Wear
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All Personal Protective Equipment as instructed by site leaders
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Closed-toe shoes
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Clothing that is appropriate for the weather
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Sunscreen/Bug Spray
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COVID-19 Precautions
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Stay home and DO NOT come to volunteer if you are sick.
Masks are optional.
Wash/Sanitize your hands and your tools regularly.
Maintain physical distancing as much as possible.
Construction Safety
Here are answers to the questions we hear most.
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How do I get a house?Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity does not give away homes. We provide a hand up, not a handout. You will be purchasing your home, and we work with you to make sure you have an affordable housing cost after purchasing the home. Each applicant must agree to partner with us in the program, which includes providing all documentation needed as well as attending homebuyer education classes and completing volunteer "HIP-hour" requirements.
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Are Habitat homes free?No, Habitat homeowners purchase their home, and pay an affordable mortgage.
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When will you accept applications again?At this time, we do not have a date set for our next application period.
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How much does a Greater Matthews Habitat mortgage cost?Your mortgage payment (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) will be no more than 30% of your gross monthly income. This helps to ensure that you are able to continue making payments on your home while having enough remaining income to provide a healthy, stable life for you and your family.
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What is meant by "ability to pay"?Must be able to afford monthly mortgage payments Debt-to-income ratio has to be lower than 13% Stable income of at least $45,000 a year but less than 80% of the AMI based on family size.
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Do I need enough savings for a down payment?No. We consider the required 150 volunteer "HIP-hours" as down payment. However, you are required to cover closing costs.
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What do you mean by "family"?Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity understands that there are many types of families, and all are welcome to apply to our program. You determine who your family is. Just a few examples of family are: an individual applying alone, a married couple with children, a single parent, a non-married couple, or a family that includes aunts, uncles, or parents. Unless there are circumstances outside of your control, you must have lived with all the household members shown on your application for at least 6 months.
Need more help?
Send a message to our Volunteer Department.
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How do I get a house?Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity does not give away homes. We provide a hand up, not a handout. You will be purchasing your home, and we work with you to make sure you have an affordable housing cost after purchasing the home. Each applicant must agree to partner with us in the program, which includes providing all documentation needed as well as attending homebuyer education classes and completing volunteer "HIP-hour" requirements.
-
Are Habitat homes free?No, Habitat homeowners purchase their home, and pay an affordable mortgage.
-
When will you accept applications again?At this time, we do not have a date set for our next application period.
-
How much does a Greater Matthews Habitat mortgage cost?Your mortgage payment (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) will be no more than 30% of your gross monthly income. This helps to ensure that you are able to continue making payments on your home while having enough remaining income to provide a healthy, stable life for you and your family.
-
What is meant by "ability to pay"?Must be able to afford monthly mortgage payments Debt-to-income ratio has to be lower than 13% Stable income of at least $45,000 a year but less than 80% of the AMI based on family size.
-
Do I need enough savings for a down payment?No. We consider the required 150 volunteer "HIP-hours" as down payment. However, you are required to cover closing costs.
-
What do you mean by "family"?Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity understands that there are many types of families, and all are welcome to apply to our program. You determine who your family is. Just a few examples of family are: an individual applying alone, a married couple with children, a single parent, a non-married couple, or a family that includes aunts, uncles, or parents. Unless there are circumstances outside of your control, you must have lived with all the household members shown on your application for at least 6 months.