Chenango County Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. CCHH is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by
providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. Habitat strives to help all communities located in Chenango County to eliminate poverty housing and revitalize communities. Improved property values will increase the tax base, which then adds support for surrounding businesses. If neglected, the housing dilemma could eventually damage the future economic prospects of our communities. The primary target population for the project is to help families of all ages and of racial/ethnic composition currently living in substandard housing throughout Chenango County, who need a "hand up rather than a "hand out". Habitat helps free families from unending struggles that accompany inadequate shelter. With the stability of a real home, families can devote more attention to jobs, education, health and happiness. As the cycle of poverty is broken, children benefit and neighborhoods improve. We do this with volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money, land and materials. Families are selected based on their level of need, willingness to partner, acceptance of responsibilities and ability to repay a no-interest mortgage. Families must complete 350 hours of "sweat equity", including time in homeowner education classes. Our qualified families purchase CCHH built homes with a zero-interest mortgage, enabling them to own their own home.
