Transforming our Community
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Habitat homes given away? A: No. Our homes are built in partnership with low income families who contribute 220 “sweat equity” hours (per adult) to their homes. Families pay a down payment and then a zero interest mortgage with payments based on actual house cost and their income. Find out more about our Homeownership Program.
Q: What kind of homes do you build? A: Habitat homes are durable, energy efficient homes. We usually build one story single-family homes but are beginning to work with renovated duplexes, and town homes. We also renovate existing homes in the community.
Q: Where do you build your homes? A: We build throughout Lake and Sumter Counties in Florda.
Q: Where do I go to find out about an upcoming dedication or other affilaite event? A: To find out about upcoming dedications, check our Home Page, or sign up for our e-newsletter Foundations to receive monthly updates from Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
Q: What is tithing? A: At Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, we are blessed with the resources to have provided affordable housing to over 190 families and we want to give the opportunity of homeownership to our international neighbors as well. We tithe on our undesignated contributions to our sister affiliate in Mexico through Habitat for Humanity International. Since 1990, we have sponsored over 113 homes in Mexico.
Q: How do I qualify for a home? A: To learn more about qualifications, click here.
Q: If I am denied, can I apply again? A: If you are not applicable at this time for homeownership, you may apply again at a later date if your situation changes.
Q: When are construction days? A: Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter builds on site with volunteers Tuesdays through Saturdays all year round! To see a list of current construction sites and volunteer needs, check here.
Q: What happens if the weather is bad on the day I am to volunteer? A: If the weather is bad, call 352-483-0434 ext.13 at 8 AM or check Volunteer HUB on the scheduled workday to see if construction work is being done. In case of inclement weather during the work day, the construction site supervisors will decide whether or not work should continue.
Q: What is the age requirement to build with Habitat? A: You must be at least 14 years old to volunteer on a construction site and at least 18 to be on the roof or use power tools. There are other ways to help Habitat if you are under the age of 16 -call our Volunteer Coordinator at for some great youth volunteer ideas.
Q: Do you have to be skilled to work on the construction sites? A: No. Anyone who wants to help and is at least 16 years old can volunteer on site. Bring a lunch and a can-do attitude and we will provide the tools and a supervisor to teach you how to use them.
Q: What makes a volunteer group? A: A volunteer group is made up of 3 to 10 people who want to volunteer at the same site on the same day. To find out how to sign up your group, click here.
Q: If I cannot work on a site are there other ways for me to get involved? A: Absolutely! Volunteers are always needed to help around the office, at the thrift stores, and to serve on our committees. To find out more, click here.
Q: How can my church or faith community get involved? A: Your congregation or faith community can volunteer, donate, and even sponsor a home! Find out about our faith communities opportunities.
Q: How do I donate building materials or other items to Habitat? A: We accept in-kind donations such as fixtures, furniture, building materials, doors, windows, tools, etc, through our Thrift Stores. These stores sell new and used items to the public and profits come back to HFHLS. You can bring items to the stores or call for a pick up. To find out more, click here.
Q: How do I contact the Stores? A: You can contact the Leesburg Store at 352-728-6366, Groveland Store at 352-429-9052, Eustis Store at 352-483-0410, and the Wildwood Store at 352-330-0881.
Q: What percentage of my donation goes towards the housing program? A: Thanks to the funds raised by the Thrift Stores, 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to our Homeownership program.
Q: How do I make donation? A: Cash donations can easily be made online through our quick and secure donation form, by clicking here. For all the ways that you can contribute please click here.
Q: How do I become a Habitat sponsor? A: There are a variety of opportunities for you, y or your congregation, organization or company to sponsor a Habitat home and make a difference! Click here to find out more or call 352-483-0434 ext. 17.
LINKS
Habitat for Humanity International
