Worked today on a remodel being done by the Mobile affiliate. Met the other half of the NCCC Americorp team who are working with the affiliate here for 8 weeks. The husband of the family, Mr. Willie worked with us also. He had a accident at work (fell on the ground while getting out of his semi-truck and messed up his legs. He said he's got bolts in them now. Hasn't been able to find work since then. He and his wife have 3 kids who his wife homeschools.
     One of the mottoes for Habitat for Humanity is that they offer people a hand up not a hand out . Once they are chosen by a family selection committee, Habitat homeowners sign a 20 year interst free mortgage which is held by the local affiliate. The no interest piece comes from somewhere in the Bible it says that your shouldnt charge interest on loans to the poor. Homeowners are also required to work "sweat equity" hours which is part of the down payment and investment in their home. Family members are also allowed to work and give their hours. The selling price of the homes vary, but generally cover the sticks and bricks part of the construction. They also sign a second mortgage which is the amount of the market value of the home less the sticks and bricks. That mortgage is forgiven after 20 years. It is just so that people dont flip the homes.
     This home is one that had been foreclosed upon and the affiliate purchased it as is through a program called Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), run by HUD. The funds were part of the stimulus package. We were just doing final punch-listy items (hanging blinds, installing transition strips at the flooring, touch up paint, door hardware, etc. The home should be ready for Willie's family to move in by Christmas. His wife is coming by tommorrow to help also. I'll see if I can post of picture of her then. Not sure if we'll see the kids or not.