Arcadia-DeSoto County Habitat for Humanity

• Arcadia DeSoto CO Habitat is planning to build 3 new homes for working families. To date we have completed 31 homes for low income families that would otherwise not have the ability to realize their dream of homeownership in DeSoto County.


•Arcadia DeSoto CO Habitat plans to develop and manage a community garden in proximity to five of these homes. Healthy lifestyles are an initiative of the DeSoto County Health Department and this will be a resource to educate residents toward the goal of making healthy food choices.


•We are developing “HomeReady" a Pre-Purchase Homebuyer Education and Credit Counseling program that meets HUD standards. This program will be available to serve all DeSoto County households as well as our Habitat partner families.

Affordable Housing Development:
•Constructing and building simple, decent, affordable houses
•Zero interest mortgages
•Provides a safe, healthy, home for families

Critical Home Repairs:
A home preservation program that provides needed interior /exterior home repairs for low income seniors, veterans, and physically disabled . The program focuses on safety, security, accessibility, weatherization and keeping houses up to code.

Robust Volunteer Program:
* Women Build is Habitat for Humanity's program for women who want to learn construction skills and build homes and communities. This program brings together women from all walks of life to address the housing crisis facing millions of women and children worldwide. No experience is necessary!
* Onsite Construction skill training for all volunteers by highly qualified staff.

Pre-Purchase Homebuyer Education Workshops and Counseling:
All Services Open to the residents of DeSoto County and designed to prepare the potential homebuyer to be successful homeowners. topics are based on HUD guidelines and include budgeting, credit repair, housing rights, and sound financial planning.

Arcadia DeSoto County Habitat for Humanity is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year. The agency's mission is to partner with God and community to provide decent, affordable housing for people in need so they may build better lives for their families. Staff includes our Executive Director with over 20 years experience in Habitat, a Community Outreach Director, and a highly qualified Construction Manager. To date, 31 homes have been completed.
DeSoto Habitat provides safe, affordable homes to low-income working families. A volunteer workforce provides on average 500 labor-hours per home, resulting in a reduction in construction cost. The organization builds new homes (and renovates purchased properties) with an emphasis on energy efficient features using Green Building recommended building materials and techniques for sustainability, culminating in lower monthly expenses for homeowners. Our most recent home achieved the Gold Level Green Building Coalition Certification.
The agency serves low income families, as defined by HUD income guidelines who a) demonstrate the need for improved and affordable housing; b) are willing to partner with Habitat for a minimum of 300 sweat equity hours; and c) are able to pay the affordable mortgage and still be able to manage their household finances. Qualified applicants are required to participate in a series of homebuyer classes and provide a down payment of $1,000 prior to closing on their home. A typical Habitat partner family completes this process within one to two years. We currently have 2 potential homebuyers working toward this goal.

Financially we have not achieved the balance in funding sources we seek. Our goal would be to leverage the ReStore revenue to cover operating expenses, allowing all donations and grant awards to fund program expenses. Currently our ReStore revenue covers 83%.

Over the last few years corporate and grant giving has improved. Individual giving; however, is low (out of balance) compared to national data showing this source as the top funder for non profits. Our fundraising strategy for is focused on developing local individuals as partners in our work, both through volunteerism and giving.

Homebuyer Education is a priority activity for all of our homeowners. Over the past year a robust program has been developed based on HUD guidelines. this program is open to all DeSoto County residents, not just Habitat participants. Currently we have submitted our program for HUD review and approval to become a HUD Homebuyer Education Agency is pending.