Frequently Asked Questions
This year Clark is building and sponsoring 5 homes, and once completed
he'll have built 30 Atlanta Habitat for Humanity homes! Cox Enterprises will build
two more additional homes alongside us. Thanks again Cox! If your company is interested in sponsoring a home in the future, please send an e-mail to info@atlantahabitat.org or call 404-223-5180, ext. 130.
When is the build?
Clark's builds begin Thursday, January 31st, 2008. The Cox houses will already be underway at that point. The project continues each Saturday
(and some Fridays) thereafter until the day the homes are dedicated to their new owners on Saturday, March
1st.
How many homes are being built?
This year, a total of seven homes will be built and Clark is sponsoring
five of them. So, we will need approximately 35 volunteers per home, per
day for the duration of the project.
How is Clark involved?
Clark has been building Habitat homes in Atlanta since 1996. He uses the money he makes from his speaking engagements to sponsor the homes. Read more about how he got involved, in Clark's own words!
How are the families chosen?
First, each family must show a 'need' for a home. They must have lived or worked in the City of Atlanta of Fulton County for one year and must show a steady income for at least two years. They must be a first-time homebuyer and have good credit and no chapter 7 or 13 history, repossessions or past-due balances.
What else?
Families must also do the following:
Complete 250 hours of 'sweat equity' on other Atlanta Habitat homes or on their ownAttend 12 homeowner education classes and hands-on maintenance seminarsPerform ongoing maintenance to their own homeMake all of the monthly payments on time
How much does a Habitat home cost?
Each house is sold for approximately $100,000. Between $10-15,000 is saved in labor cost on each home because of the work of our generous volunteers.
How do I donate to Clark's homes
Each affiliate and HFHI organization operates independently. So, to make sure your money is going directly to Clark's homes, send the money Atlanta Habitat for Humanity
(Tax ID 58-1535414)
519 Memorial Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30312
Attn: Clark Howard House
For more information, go to www.atlantahabitat.org.
Do Habitat families have a mortgage?
Yes! Habitat is a 'hand-up,' not a hand-out, program. Families will hold a 25-year mortgage with 0% interest with payments under $500 a month. Most of the payment is held in escrow for taxes and insurance. The first down payment of $600 covers the first year's insurance.
How is the location chosen?
Finding available land in Atlanta isn't easy. Atlanta Habitat looks for available land where more than one Habitat home can be built to create a stable neighborhood. The organization strives to create a "critical mass" of homeowners so that entire neighborhoods show visible signs of revitalization. Atlanta Habitat homes can be found in Browns Mill, Cabbagetown, Edgewood, Peoplestown, the West End, Reynoldstown and the Lakewood area.
How long does it take to build an Atlanta Habitat home
The homes go from foundation to completion in about seven weeks! The families move in about one month later.
Does Clark actually build the home?
You'd be amazed at the skills and knowledge that Clark has picked up since building more than 25 Habitat homes! Yes, he does wield a mean hammer! Clark will provide us with his 'diary' of thoughts and photos of the crew hard at work. Check back for the photo gallery!
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