What is Lexington Habitat for Humanity?
Who does Habitat serve?
What does Habitat for Humanity do for our community?
Where does Habitat build?
How does Habitat decide who gets a house?
Are Habitat houses free?
Do Habitat families have to make a down payment on their homes?
Does Lexington Habitat help its homebuyers learn about financial management and care of their new property?
Is all the money Lexington Habitat receives used to build houses in Fayette County?
I want to volunteer. What opportunities are available?
Who funds and builds Lexington Habitat houses?
How is LHFH run and who makes the decisions?
What is the ReStore?

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What is Lexington Habitat for Humanity?

Lexington Habitat for Humanity (LHFH) is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) ecumenical, Christian ministry, which, through partnerships with individuals, local companies, civic organizations and government, builds safe, decent, affordable housing and provides homeownership opportunities to low-income families. LHFH began in 1986 and builds 15 - 20 homes in Fayette County each year.

Who does Habitat serve?

LHFH serves hard-working, low-income families who are currently living in sub-standard and/or overcrowded conditions, meet Habitat homeownership requirements, and would not be served by traditional lending agencies. We target families who earn between 35 - 60% of the median income in our community.

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What does Habitat for Humanity do for our community?

The most visible benefit to Lexington is the physical change that takes place in neighborhoods where Habitat homes are built. Vacant, poorly maintained lots and run-down, abandoned houses are replaced by new homes where families live surrounded by well-kept yards. Less visible is the economic impact of a Habitat home. Each time a family moves out of subsidized public housing, tax dollars are saved. Further benefits are delivered as the new homeowner begins to pay real estate taxes on his/her property.

Where does Habitat build?

LHFH builds only in Fayette County. We usually build on inner city lots that are either donated to LHFH or purchased at the appraised value. Finding suitable build lots has grown increasingly more difficult in Lexington, and we continually look for affordable sites.

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How does Habitat decide who gets a house?

Lexington Habitat's Family Selection Committee carefully screens applicants. Families are chosen on the basis of need, ability to pay an interest-free mortgage for 20-30 years and willingness to provide 250-500 hours of sweat equity. Additional requirements are that applicants must live or work in Fayette County for a minimum of eleven months prior to filing the application, earn a minimum of $1,400 gross per month, have a steady source of income for two years prior to filing the application and have a total household income that does not exceed 60 percent of the median income for similar families in Fayette County.

Are Habitat houses free?

No. Habitat is a "hand up", not a handout. As an investment in their homes, our partner families agree to provide 250-500 hours (depending on family make-up) of sweat equity. This includes working on their own home or other Habitat homes and attending workshops on subjects like home and yard maintenance and budgeting. Each family has a 15-30 year interest free mortgage. The monthly payment is based on the family's income at the time of closing. Payments range from $350 - $600 per month.

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Do Habitat families have to make a down payment on their homes?

No cash down payment is required, but recipients contribute 250-500 hours of sweat equity in service to Lexington Habitat (working on their own home, helping with other Habitat houses, and attending workshops). However, partner families will make monthly escrow payments of $60 per month for ten months prior to closing on their house to cover fees such as insurance and closing costs.

Does Lexington Habitat help its homebuyers learn about financial management and care of their new property?

Yes. We require classes in budgeting, money management and home and yard maintenance. Additionally, a volunteer nurturer acts as a mentor, working with each family during the education process.

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Is all the money Lexington Habitat receives used to build houses in Fayette County?

Yes. Lexington Habitat builds only in Fayette County, however, as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, LHFH tithes toward Habitat building projects in other countries.

I want to volunteer. What opportunities are available?

See our Volunteer page.

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Who funds and builds Lexington Habitat houses?

Individuals, corporations, the faith community, civic organizations, grants and foundations all come together to fund and build the Habitat houses. See our Sponsors page for more information.

How is LHFH run and who makes the decisions?

LHFH has a local board of directors consisting of anywhere from 9-22 people who donate their time and talents to improve our community. This board sets policies, establishes annual goals and ensures that LHFH activities remain true to its mission. As financial stewards they monitor the ethical standards in LHFH accounting practices. Our staff and AmeriCorps volunteers carry out daily tasks of the organization.

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What is the ReStore?

LHFH opened its first ReStore in 2001. It is a resale store for a variety of donated items, including building supplies, furniture, appliances and housewares. The profits made from reselling this merchandise provides revenue for LHFH and benefits the community by recycling products, thus reducing landfill use. We now have two locations. 1260 Industry Road offers building supplies, applicances and light fixtures for purchase. 420 Southland Drive offers furniture and home accessories for purchase. The ReStore was originally known as Renovation Station, the name was changed in early 2006. Visit the ReStore website.

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