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(A Statewide Support Organization) CASE STATEMENTClick on the index below to go to those areas of this page. III. Our Niche How We Do It Differently V. Goals What We Are Going To Do VI. Implementation How We Are Going To Do It VII. Governance Who Is In Charge? IX. Evaluation How We Measure Success I. Vision - What We Want To DoHabitat for Humanity of Idaho works with affiliates to create decent, affordable housing for those in need, and to put shelter on the hearts and minds of people everywhere.
II. Need - Why We Want To Do ItThe Building of Homes has Changed The Way It Used To Be I (Verne Blalack) remember my father telling about building a house (late 30s – early 40s) by cutting down 4 trees and using their stumps for a foundation. Tarpaper was use to keep out the wind and the rain and was replaced as needed until one could afford a more permanent roof. Most people started out with something simple and cheap and improved their homes as their money and spare time permitted. As time went on, may of these buildings grew into the comfortable homes many of us now live in. The Way It Is Now Now we have building codes so a house will not blow over in a hurricane, will not collapse in an earthquake, will not be built below the high water mark in a flood plain and will not slide down the hill in a heavy rain. Ceiling heights, window sizes, and minimum room sizes were placed in codes because of the poor living conditions in tenement housing. Codes and regulations are a response to cities burning (Chicago and San Francisco), raw sewage causing tens of thousands of deaths and buildings collapsing. We have decided that people must build it right the first time. However, to build it right you must be able to afford it. Idaho’s Economy has ChangedHistorically, Idaho has been supported by its agriculture and natural resources industries. These industries have seen declines in employment. Retail trades, service industries. and tourism are now absorbing workers. Many newly created jobs pay excellent wages and have excellent benefits. Other jobs pay minimum wages and have few {or no} benefits. Some high-income families are living in modern day mansions, while low-income families have trouble paying rent. In 1998, in Idaho, this meant that a minimum wage earner had to work 76 hours per month to rent a 2-bedroom unit! Demographic ChangesDemand Factors: Between 1990 and 1998 Idaho’s population increased by 22%, the third highest population growth in the nation. From now until 2004, we will need to build around 775 housing units per year to provide housing for those earning 30-50% of the median income. For some in this group, home ownership is a better investment of public resources than rental assistance. Studies indicate that, for many in this group, $2500 for down payment and closing costs will put a family into home ownership versus paying $2616 annually for rental assistance. About 9% of the population fall into this group. Those making less than 30% of the median income (10% of the population) are either are at risk of becoming homeless or are homeless (1.6%). Sixty-eight percent (68%) of the homeless include families with children—up 28% since 1997. For this group rental assistance versus homelessness saves resources. Studies indicate savings from $225 to $375 per month for a single person and $675 to $1500 per month for a family of 3 to 4 persons. Supply Factors: Fortunately, for many Idahoans needing housing, incomes have increased and interest rates have remained low. These conditions have promoted an increase in the supply of housing units that has almost matched the increase in population. However, for those earning less than 50% of the median income, the supply of housing has become tighter and tighter forcing rents and sale prices of homes to skyrocket. {For a detailed look at Idaho’s housing needs ask the Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s for a copy of their Consolidated Plan. Phone 208-331-4845}
The Future State of Idaho’s HousingNow that we’ve decided to build it right the first time, the future of affordable housing for low income and very low income families depends on, not only the demographic and income trends, but also on the willingness of the federal, state, and local governments, as well as the private and public sector, to address the problem. One non-profit organization, Habitat for Humanity, makes it, once again, possible for very low-income families to afford and build their own homes.
III. Our Niche - How We Do It DifferentlyHabitat for Humanity of Idaho is a Christian based organization that uses volunteer labor to help God’s people in need build simple, decent homes for themselves. Homeowners are selected only on the basis for need, ability to repay a non-interest loan for the cost of building their home, and their willingness to partner (work with) Habitat for Humanity. Homeowners must invest usually 500 hours of work, “sweat equity”, and attend workshops vital to home ownership and maintenance. Before and during the home building process, they are assigned a sponsor who helps them throughout the whole process. Few other homebuilders go through the above process. It is time consuming, but the selection process, “sweat equity” requirement, the workshops, the sponsors, and the Christian love shown by faith in action throughout the entire process results in a smaller percentage of homeowners giving up their homes than by any other home builders’ process. These homeowners are bonded to their homes. They are stakeholders in the American dream. Adequate shelter provides a security in their lives they have never known before. People who could not afford an interest-bearing loan now are paying less than 30% of their income on housing. They are a stable, tax paying, part of a community that has helped them become so. We not only build homes—we build communities with love.
IV. History - What We Have DoneThe Habitat for Humanity of Idaho State Support movement was started when Pam Peterson from Palouse HfH and Verne Blalack from Silver Valley HfH attended an Habitat for Humanity International training session in 1995. There they became aware of the possibilities a State Organization could provide in resource development. At a meeting with some Idaho affiliate representatives and Glenn and Dorothy Johnson (founders of Habitat for Humanity of Montana), Judy Blalack volunteered to publish a quarterly state newsletter that would carry the state movement discussion to all Idaho affiliates. Then followed a series of State Support meetings at Habitat for Humanity International’s training events. By the middle of 1998, a majority of Idaho affiliates had voted to form a State Support Organization. A state corporation, Habitat for Humanity of Idaho, Inc., was formed and the affiliation process with Habitat for Humanity International was complete on September 1, 1999. Prior to official affiliation the State Support Organization movement was instrumental in obtaining and distributing tens of thousands of dollars worth of Habitat for Humanity International’s gifts-in-kind to Idaho affiliates—predominantly Andersen Windows and Polyseamseal caulking manufactured by Ohio Sealants, Inc. Since affiliation, we have established email communications with 11 of the states 12 affiliates which has helped us obtain and distribute over $10,000 worth of building materials as well as a grant of over $40,000 from the US Bank.
V. Goals - What We Are Going To Do1. Establish Modern Communications We are continuing to help update affiliate’s communication abilities. This winter we supplied four computers to affiliate offices which never had computers before and upgraded another. Modern communications will allow information to be shared by: A. Habitat for Humanity of Idaho directors and committee members B. Idaho’s Habitat for Humanity affiliates C. Habitat for Humanity International personnel D. Other State Support Organizations E. Donors and volunteers interested in supporting Habitat for Humanity F. Anyone else interested in partnering with Habitat for Humanity 2.
Improve the Awareness of the Need for Shelter to Make Adequate Housing a
Matter of 3. Partner With Interested Groups 4. Supply Resources Needed for Shelter to Idaho’s Affiliates
VI. Implementation - How We Are Going To Do It1. Modern Communications Email communications have cut our communications and time costs. These savings allowed us time to develop our own website, which saves office time as many routine questions can be answered on our website. 2. Partnering Efforts with Other Organizations A. Church Groups Habitat for Humanity has always been a Christian organization that shows its love by helping provide homes for God’s people in need. It’s “Theology of the Hammer” non-denominational status allows it to work with all religious and non-religious organizations. Habitat for Humanity of Idaho will seek out more church sponsorship of homes. B. Idaho Housing Agency One of the strongest financial supporters of State Support Organizations has always been the state housing organizations. These are quasi-government organizations that handle state housing programs frequently with federal housing funds passed to them by the state government. We will work with the Idaho Housing Agency to help shelter Idaho’s people. C. Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle Federal Home Loan Banks are banks created by regional banks. Among other things, they fulfill the regional banks’ obligations to make low income financing available to areas where the local banks exist. This entity has long been very supportive of Habitat State Organizations in helping to make affordable housing available to more people. We intend to work with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle to build more simple decent housing in Idaho. D. Other Organizations There are numerous other organizations deeply involved in solving Idaho’s housing needs. We will acquaint ourselves with many of these players in hopes that successful partnering will pay dividends to Idaho’s residents. 3. Increasing Awareness Last year’s “First Ladies Build” (Governor’s wives and former “First Ladies”) was instrumental in giving increased publicity to Boise Valley HfH. Patricia Kempthorne has maintained interest in continuing the First Ladies Build and we will assist in this worthy enterprise whenever we can. From 1990 through 1998 (9 years) Idaho affiliates built 41 homes. By the end of 2001, we will have built that many homes in just 3 years. As our home production continues to accelerate, these builds will keep the awareness of the need for shelter before the public. 4. Supply Resources to Affiliates Improved communications will bring more volunteers to Habitat and to paraphrase volunteer, John Van Belle, —Get people involved and the rest will follow. What will follow is successful grant writing efforts and successful location of and distributions of gift-in-kind materials.
VII. Governance - Who Is In Charge?The Habitat for Humanity of Idaho Board of Directors is composed of a representative of each member affiliate, a representative from Habitat for Humanity International’s Mountain States Regional Staff, and Directors elected at-large. All corporate powers are vested in the Board of Directors.
VIII. Staffing - Who is Paid?Presently all directors are volunteers and serve at their own expense unless the representatives are reimbursed by their affiliates. Thus far, all Habitat for Humanity of Idaho expenses have been paid by donations from individuals and affiliates. Habitat for Humanity International’s research indicates that when a staff position is funded and a person hired house production increases. To maintain momentum, in the future a staff person may be sought who exemplifies the mission of Habitat for Habitat of Idaho.
IX. Evaluation - How We Measure SuccessOur mission is to work with affiliates to create decent, affordable housing for those in need, and to put shelter on the hearts and minds of people everywhere. When we see affiliates increase their home building capacity through the use of modern communication, collaboration with other organizations, improved public awareness of the need for affordable shelter, and by the additional resources we have provided them, then we will know we have been successful. Return to top of page or to Main Menu |
