Habitat for Humanity information was shared with Noon Team Members of Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club at their meeting August 10. Resource Director Lauren Pitt told of the organization's worldwide footprint and their local efforts and impact.
With headquarters in Georgia, Habitat for Humanity has 700 affiliates worldwide, including Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County, which was formed in 1994. The Habitat vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. While Habitat is a religiously based organization they do not discriminate on that, or any other, basis. Their principles include: demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ, focus on shelter, advocate for affordable housing, promote dignity and hope, and support sustainable and transformative development.
Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County has built more than 100 homes in locales such as Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale, Hansville, Bainbridge Island, and Suquamish. They are currently building a neighborhood of 32-homes in Port Orchard called Harris Court. Prospective residents of Habitat homes must demonstrate their need, invest 250-hours of "sweat equity," and qualify for an affordable mortgage. These folks are low income, but working, who otherwise would not be able to afford a home in Kitsap County.
The key to Habitat's success here, and everywhere, is volunteers. In-store volunteers (their local store is in Bremerton) and folks who shop at and donate to the store. And volunteers who build homes. They rely on corporate and community sponsors, as well as individual and foundation donors.