Pikes Peak Habitat is building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter in El Paso County
Donate to Pikes Peak Habitat today to support permanent, affordable housing for workforce families right here in El Paso County! Your support gives families the chance to help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.
It costs us roughly $315,000 to build a single Habitat home in El Paso County, Colorado. After donations of labor and supplies, it costs us roughly $190,000 to build a home. Your support makes these homes affordable for local families to purchase. We sell homes at market value for their neighborhoods. However, regardless of the sales price of the house, to keep housing payments affordable, Habitat homeowners' mortgage payments will be capped at 30% of their household gross monthly income at the time of sale. This monthly amount will include the mortgage payment, homeowners’ insurance, property taxes, and HOA dues (if applicable). Between our cost to build and our sale prices, there's a funding gap for each home. So, how do we make it work? You. Your generosity is needed to fill that gap, so we can keep building homes.
One of the foundational principles of Habitat is that we provide "a hand up, not a handout." The Habitat model requires each future homeowner to complete 200 hours of sweat equity (AKA volunteer time), participate in homeowner and financial education classes, and purchase their new homes with affordable mortgages. This model helps Habitat homeowners develop a stronger sense of ownership and empowerment in their journey to affordable homeownership. Homeowner contributions also help make our work sustainable and organizational growth possible so we can provide affordable housing solutions to more families.
Thank you for helping us work towards our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Testimonials
"Habitat for Humanity is one of the leaders in foreclosure mitigation."
-- Ken Klein, President of KLEINCO Properties and former Chair of Habitat for Humanity International's Board of Directors
"I mean, it's really good, and as a matter of fact, last year we had a hail storm that was big...and it destroyed the roof and some of the siding. So, when I called up the insurance adjuster, he was inspecting for damage and said, 'This is one of the best constructed houses I've ever seen. Who was the developer?' I said, 'Well, actually, it was Habitat for Humanity.'"
-- A Habitat homeowner describing the high quality of her home's construction
"I worked really, really hard for this house. I did most of the sweat equity myself..., so it's something that really feels like mine. It's been my biggest blessing, hands-down. It makes me want to cry. It's just been a really, really good experience for us."
-- Homeowner Kathy G. commenting on helping to build their home
"I feel blessed, I feel richer. You know, coming from what we were coming out of...then Habitat gave us the stability to have a place to call home, and the kids and I can just enjoy each other. And just that pride again that you have. I mean I've taken care of the home pretty well. You know, we've redone the carpets, the flooring, put a patio in the back. So, in that way, I feel richer."
-- Homeowner Teri D.
"There is a lot of peace and thankfulness knowing that my mortgage payment is fixed, for the most part, with only small fluctuations for insurance and tax changes. Rent never stopped rising and would go up faster than my income ever did."
-- Habitat homeowner
Seeking to put God's love into action, Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing in El Paso County.
The families we serve earn 35% - 80% of the area median income and could not otherwise afford decent housing. We are currently building new homes at The Ridge at Sand Creek in Colorado Springs (30 lots). We also help seniors, veterans, and cost-burdened families with home repairs so that can stay safe in their homes affordably.
Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity selects our partner families according to
(1) the need for affordable housing such as overcrowding, unhealthy or unsanitary conditions, unaffordable rent, unsafe neighborhood;
(2) their willingness to partner with Habitat by completing homebuyer education as well as investing 200 "sweat equity" hours to build their house; and
(3) the ability to purchase the house and pay the mortgage.
For a family of four, the annual income range is between $34,124 and $78,000 and is too low to qualify for a mortgage under traditional means. As part of the Habitat program, homeowners purchase their house with an affordable mortgage, paying no more than 30% of their income.
Pikes Peak Habitat builds homes to Energy Star standards, creating energy-efficient homes and reducing costs on utilities for homeowners.
All future homeowners must complete homebuyer education classes that include a six-hour HUD-approved first-time homebuyer workshop, credit counseling, budgeting, estate planning, protecting assets, and more. As a result of this training and securing affordable housing, Habitat families rely less on food stamps and government-financed medical care. We remain in close contact and are better able than a traditional lender to assist families if they experience challenging times.
Organization name
Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity
other names
PPHFH
1986
Category
Housing & Shelter
Organization Size
Large Organization
Colorado State Tax Credits
Colorado Enterprise Zone Credit
Address
2802 N. Prospect StreetMailing
2802 N. Prospect StreetEl Paso County, CO, US