What is Big Bear Valley Habitat for Humanity? Big Bear Valley Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit; ecumenical Christian housing ministry seeking to eliminate poverty housing, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people from all walks of life to work together in partnership to build houses for people in need. Since it's start in 1998, the BBVHFH has completed three homes and is looking to build at least one home every year in the Big Bear Valley. Habitat presently meets at the Big Bear Presbyterian Church on the first Tuesday of the month at 5:15 P.M.
What does BBVHFH do and how does it work? Habitat is not a charity or a give away program. Habitat for Humanity builds houses with Big Bear Valley families in need. Volunteer labor is used to build houses to keep building cost low for Habitat families. Partner families pay a down payment and a monthly mortgage payment. They also invest hundreds of hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their own houses and the houses of others. As Habitat homeowners pay their mortgages, the money goes into a revolving fund that helps build houses with other families. BBVHFH tithes to help build Habitat houses in other parts of the world.
How are partner families selected? We accept applications from local families on an annual basis. Our Family Selection Committee reviews the applications and chooses families based on need, their willingness to become partners in the program, and their ability to repay the no-interest mortgage. Neither race or religion is a factor in choosing partner families,
Where are BBVHFH houses built and who builds them? We currently have finished building our thrid home in Baldwin Lake in the Valley. We finished in October 2007.
Individuals and groups from the Valley donate their time and energies to help build the houses. Partner families donate up to 500 hours of sweat-equity into their own house and others. The Big Bear Rotary Club have been strong supporters of the Affiliate as well as the Realty Executives Team, the Methodist Church, Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church and members of the Catholic Church as well as the Presbyterian Church. The Valley Contractors have donated hundreds of labor hours and significant materials. The San Manual Band of Mission Indians are also contributors as well as Prudential Properties of Big Bear. How can I help? You can help by donating your time, and your talent. We need you for volunteer help on committees, in the building of the home, and possibly as an Officer or on the Board of Directors.
How do I apply for a Habitat Home? BBVHFH will advertise for applications when we are ready to build or when we need an alternate homeowner. Watch for announcements in the local press. You must be a resident of the Valley for at least one year to apply. What is the cost of a Habitat Home? Habitat builds homes with volunteer help and some donated material and supplies. The 1st mortgage on the home is set at our costs including fees and taxes. The house is appraised and a “silent’ second mortgage is assigned which is the difference between the appraised value and the 1st mortgage. The homeowner must pay on the 1st, at no interest, for a period of 20-30 years. The payment schedule is set to meet his income level and ability to pay. He must also pay a monthly amount into an impound account, that we maintain, for the taxes and Home Owner’s Insurance on the home . The homeowner must live in the home for 10 years or must pay the silent second mortgage and a portion of the increased value of the house and it’s selling price. This provision is to insure that the family doesn't sell the home an make a large profit. The homes will be priced separately to account for varying costs of material and land.
