Chaffee County Habitat for Humanity (CCHFH) is a local affiliate of HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INTERNATIONAL, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller. Today, Habitat for Humanity is a true world leader in addressing the issues of poverty housing.
Chaffee County Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with community members to create decent, affordable housing in our area. Volunteers provide most of the labor, and individual and corporate donors provide money and materials to build Habitat houses. Partner families invest hundreds of hours of labor – “sweat equity” – into building their homes and the homes of others. After completing their home and education courses, families purchase their home with an affordable mortgage. Their mortgage payments go into a revolving Fund for Humanity that is used to build more houses.
On January 8th 2000, a Steering Committee of 14 diverse volunteers met to form Chaffee County Habitat for Humanity (CCHFH). CCHFH is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry founded on the conviction that every man, woman, and child is entitled to a simple, decent, affordable place in which to dwell in dignity and safety. Our focus is not simply the construction of a house or houses, but also the empowerment of the residents in our communities.
Families are chosen according to need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner in building their home. Homes are purchased by partner families with affordable low-interest loans. Should the family decide to sell, CCHFH retains first right of refusal to purchase the home.
Grants, ReStore sales, the generosity of our local community, and mortgage payments from local Habitat homes fund this worthwhile effort. Since 2000, Chaffee County Habitat has helped many Chaffee County residents obtain safe, secure, affordable housing in our community.
