History and Philosophy of MCHFH

Midland County Habitat for Humanity (MCHFH) was incorporated as a Habitat for Humanity International affiliate in 1988 and built its first home the following year. Its purpose is to provide adequate and affordable housing for Midland County families in need. Using volunteer labor and donations, MCHFH builds simple houses and sells them at cost with no profit. MCHFH then holds the mortgage (interest free, 30-year term) on the homes.

MCHFH, like its parent organization, is based on the principle of Christian partnership, which brings together people of all races, nationalities, religions and economic levels, to help those in need. Building community is as important as building houses. That is why each partner family works with a family advocate throughout the construction process. The family advocate will answer their questions and help them build the home-ownership skills that will allow them to maintain their home for years to come. We work with teams of individuals or groups from various organizations to raise the funds and provide the labor to build the houses.

To be considered for an MCHFH home, candidates must have lived in Midland County for over a year. Families are selected based on their current housing need, ability to repay the mortgage and their willingness to fullfill the sweat equity requirement.

In addition to helping Midland County families, MCHFH, like most U.S. affiliates, provides an annual tithe to Habitat for Humanity International to support construction of houses overseas. MCHFH directs its tithe to Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic.