About Us

What is Macon Area Habitat for Humanity?

Macon Area Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry seeking to eliminate substandard housing in Macon, Georgia. Macon Habitat was founded in 1986, and the affiliate has built 66 houses throughout Bibb and Jones County. Macon Habitat partners with individuals of all faiths, races and ages. Habitat gives homeowner partners a hand up instead of a hand out by selling the homes with a no-interest loan. After buying a Habitat house, homeowners feel like they can provide a better life for themselves and their families. By eliminating substandard housing and giving low-income families an edge on success, Macon Area Habitat for Humanity not only is helping individuals but also a better Macon Community.

Does Macon need Habitat for Humanity?

While the national average for substandard housing is 8%, almost 23% of housing is substandard in Macon. A recent University of Georgia study revealed that a third of Georgia families cannot afford to buy their own homes. They report that about 1 million families in Georgia earn less than $30,000 per year. The average price of a house in Georgia is $150,000, which is well out of the range of these families.

In September 2005 the affiliate embarked on the revitalization of the Lynmore Estates neighborhood in southeast Macon. We are currently in phase one of our plan which is to build at least 20 houses between 2005 and 2010.

Myths and Facts

How does Macon Habitat work?

Macon Habitat is not a charity or a give-away program. Habitat partners with families who meet basic requirements- a verified income between 25-50% of local median income, inability to qualify for a traditional mortgage and unsuitable living conditions. Partner families put in 300 "sweat equity" hours working on construction of their houses and other Macon Habitat houses. These families then pay back the cost of their houses through interest-free 20-30 year mortgage. The houses are built with volunteer labor, and local business, churches, foundations and individuals put forth the capital to cover the costs of building the houses.

What kind of houses does Habitat build?

All of our houses adhere to the Habitat philosophy of "simple and decent." Macon Habitat typically builds 3-bedroom houses with one bathroom and 1,100 square feet of living space. The cost of this house is $65,000, but larger houses cost up to $75,000.

 

History of Macon Area Habitat for Humanity

Macon Area Habitat for Humanity was created out of a Sunday School class at Northminster Presbyterian Church in 1986 as an expression of ?faith in action? to address Macon?s serious need for affordable homeownership opportunities. The first house was completed in 1987 in the Pleasant Hill neighborhood. The organization remained a volunteer-only nonprofit until 1996 when it hired its first staff members. Today, Macon Area Habitat for Humanity is located within Glenwood Hills Baptist Church and has four permanent staff members. With the support of the community, we have built 66 houses with God?s people in need! In 2006, Macon Area Habitat opened the Home Store, selling new and used home improvement supplies, to generate revenue to build more homes with Macon families. Since its beginning, Macon Area Habitat for Humanity?s volunteers, supporters and staff have believed that we have the unique opportunity to express our faith in God and love for our fellow brothers and sisters through this dynamic ministry of homebuilding. Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity International has written, ?Habitat is just one huge expression of God?s love.?