Myths & Facts

Myth: Habitat for Humanity International funds the local Habitat affiliates.

Fact: Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County is funded through the generosity of businesses, schools, civic organizations, individual donors, churches and synagogues. Habitat of Williamson County relies on many sources of funding for land purchase, land development, building houses, and administrative costs. The profits generated by our ReStore retail operation are used to build more houses and help defer administrative costs.

Myth: Habitat for Humanity International is self-funded.

Fact: Domestic Habitat for Humanity Affiliates tithe ($1,250 for Williamson County) to Habitat International each time they build a house in the U.S.  Each time a sponsor builds two houses in Williamson County, a house is funded overseas.  Habitat for Humanity International is funded by the generous donations of businesses, organizations, and individuals.

Myth: Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County is the same as Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity.

Fact: Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County is separate, and serves Williamson County. Nashville Area Habitat serves Davidson County.

Myth: Habitat for Humanity gives houses to poor people.

Fact:  Habitat homeowners purchase their homes at cost with a mortgage provided by Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County.  The principle mortgage amount is $100,000 for 2008, at zero (0%) percent interest for 25 years. A second mortgage for the equity in the house is a 20-year note and is not paid back by the homeowner as long as the principle mortgage is paid on time and the house is not sold. Five percent of the equity in the second mortgage is earned each year by the homeowner.

Myth: Habitat serves only minorities.

Fact: Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County, as a housing lender, does not discriminate and complies with ALL Fair Housing Laws.

Myth: Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County is a government agency and receives its funding from the government.

Fact: Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County relies on many sources of funding for land purchase, land development, building houses, and administrative costs. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Myth: Anyone can buy a Habitat home.

Fact: Applicants are not selected if they can obtain financing through conventional means. Applicants must live or work in Williamson County, and earn between 30-55% of the Nashville Metro Median Income as determined by HUD. They are selected on three criteria: need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner.

Myth: Once selected for a Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County home, families can just move in.

Fact: Once selected, a Partner Family must earn 500 hours of “sweat equity” by attending financial management classes, home maintenance classes and other educational classes provided through our affiliate. The program is meant to be a partnership between our staff, our volunteers and our future homeowners. In addition, partner families earn sweat equity hours by working on the homes of other partner families in the program and finally on their own home. Some hours can be earned by friends and family members.

Myth: Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County is a Christian non-profit housing ministry serving only Christians.

Fact: Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County, as a housing lender, does not discriminate and complies with ALL Fair Housing Laws.