Habitat for Humanity - Twin Cities HFH

Creating homeownership: low- and moderate-income Twin Cities families partner with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity to achieve stable, affordable homeownership. Clients are set up for long-term success through one-on-one financial coaching, training courses, post-purchase support, and an affordable mortgage through a subsidiary business, tchfh lending, Inc. philanthropic donations and other support ensure the mortgage is affordable for the homebuyer. Tchfh works with families of all backgrounds and has targeted outreach and marketing efforts to reach communities of color, particularly black households. More than 1,700 families have purchased homes since 1985. In fy 2023, 296 families participated in this program including 104 families who achieved homeownership, 71 households who graduated from financial coaching, and 247 households who completed homebuyer education. The annual foreclosure rate is under 1% thanks to diligent work in preparing families and providing post-purchase support.

Community engagement: tchfh brings together a broad range of community volunteers, supporters, advocates, and partners to help create, preserve, and promote affordable homeownership. In fy 2023 about 9,700 volunteers gave a total of 135,000 hours on Habitat build sites, home repair projects, at restore outlets, for advocacy efforts, and more. Additionally, 45 americorps members served more than 18,000 hours to advance the mission.

Financing homeownership: long-term mortgage financing is the key component that makes tchfh homes affordable. Homes are sold to local low- and moderate-income families. All homebuyers have the opportunity to access an affordable mortgage through a tchfh subsidiary business, tchfh lending, Inc. The mortgage ensures households pay no more than 30% of their monthly income toward housing costs. In fy 2023, 101 households accessed a mortgage through tchfh lending, Inc.

Other program services: preserving homeownership focuses on helping existing homeowners remain in their homes. A brush with kindness provides painting and home repair services to qualifying low-income homeowners struggling to maintain their homes. Priority is given to aging homeowners, veterans, those with disabilities, and single parents. A brush with kindness partnered with 24 local homeowners in fy 2023. More than 2,125 paint and repair projects have been completed since a brush with kindness was started in 1998. Tchfh also preserves homeownership through a mortgage foreclosure prevention program. The program serves homeowners facing foreclosure by providing free financial reviews and referrals. It puts homeowners on a path toward housing and financial stability. 105 clients received mortgage foreclosure counseling through this program in fy 2023.