MONTGOMERY, Ill., Oct. 7, 2018.— Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity invites Aurora-area families needing affordable shelter to an information meeting about Habitat home ownership.

The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at  at Genesis Community Church, 1300 S. Broadway in Montgomery.

Rev. Jeff Barrett, Genesis pastor and FVHH executive director, said attendance is required to receive an application to become a Habitat partner.

“At this meeting, we will explain Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity and its’ mission of home ownership for God’s people in need,” Rev. Barrett said.

He said Habitat selects homeowner-partner families based need, ability to repay a no-interest mortgage, low to middle income, inability to obtain adequate housing through conventional methods; willingness to partner with FVHH  and ability to invest 350 to 500 hours of sweat equity in a Habitat project.

According to Rev. Barrett, applicants must complete an application by deadlines, provide required documents, complete 10 hours of sweat equity before selection; interview with Family Selection Committee and be approved by the FVHH board of directors.

Approved applicants will partner with FVHH to receive a rehabbed or new-construction home at cost, a no-interest mortgage, payments tailored to ability to pay and opportunities to build financial equity and new friendships.

Founded in 1989, FVHH is a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, Inc., a nonprofit housing ministry that partners with low-income families needing basic shelter.

FVHH has attracted more than 1,000 volunteers who have completed 60 homes housing more than 300 persons in Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery.

Habitat sells houses to qualified families at no profit. Partnering families contribute up to 500 hours of sweat equity and repay a zero-interest mortgage. Loan payments are used to build more houses.

Donations of materials, land, funds, and volunteer services are needed to continue the ministry. For more information, call (630) 859-3333, e-mail foxvalleyhabitat@sbcglobal.net, or visit www.foxvalleyhabitat.org.

Al Benson

Freelance Photo-Journalist

Al Benson is an Aurora-based freelance photo-journalist. He is currently an archives research specialist at Aurora University. His work has appeared in The Voice, The Daily Herald, The Beacon-News, and the Chicago Tribune.