Habitat for Humanity of Collier County
One of the top organization in Naples is the Habitat for Humanity of Collier County. Started in 1978, they have built over 1,000 homes to date. Dependent on volunteers, the Habitat purchases land and materials with donations from individuals, congregations, businesses and foundations.
Homeowners are required to invest 500 hours of “sweat equity” building homes and make a $1,000 down payment. They also pay on average, a $300 mortgage payment per month on a no-interest loan. Reserves for taxes and insurance run another $200 per month. Mortgage payments are used to purchase land and materials for more homes.
All contributions are tax-exempt since the Habitat is a non-profit orgranization 501(c)(3).
A selection committee of volunteers reviews all applicants and follows a non-discriminatory selection process, based on housing need, ability to repay the load and the ability to partner with Habitat by working sweat equity hours.
The goal of the Habitat is to build 100 homes a year in Collier County and 1,000 homes over the next 10 years. In order to accomplish this goal, $5 million annually must be raised to pay for roads and infrastructure in future neighborhoods. Each home additionally costs $50,000 for construction.
If you want to volunteer at Habitat’s construction sites, serve on a committee, mentor a homeowner family, make a donation of land, materials, or money, work in the Habitat Home Store or donate furniture call 239-775-0036. If their is anyway you can help this organization it would be welcomed and appreciated.