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Contact Us
Address:
551 W. Michigan Ave.
Battle Creek, MI 49037
Phone: (269) 966-2502
Hours:
Office: M- Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ReStore: M-Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
(All donations and pickups must
be made by 4:30 p.m.)
Map: Please click here now
for a map and directions to our location.
E-mail: Click here to e-mail us.
Board of Directors
Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity is governed by an independent Board of of Directors.
To see a list of our current Board of Directors, please click here now.
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About Us: What We Do and Why It Matters for Our Community
Habitat for Humanity is much more than you think!
Most people are familiar with our home-building projects, but Habitat is working in many other ways, too. We invite you to read this brief Q&A to find out more about our organization and how you can get involved. Welcome!
What is Habitat for Humanity?
We are a Christian, non-profit organization dedicated
to solving the problem of substandard housing in our community. With the help of our many volunteers, partner families and donors, we have built or rehabilitated 125 homes in Calhoun County since our founding in 1989. Our goal is to build/rehabilitate 150 more homes in the next ten years. Around the world, a new Habitat home is completed every 16 minutes on average. (Mission)
What does Habitat do?
We work to solve the problem of substandard housing in five primary ways:
- ► Building new homes in partnership with others
- ► Repairing existing homes in our area
- ► Helping people prepare for home ownership
- ► Equipping people to do home repairs on their own
- ► Selling low-cost materials and merchandise (ReStore)
We can't do it alone. In fact, each year we work with more than 3,500 volunteers, donors and client families to build homes and hope in Calhoun County. Our local area organization has offices in Battle Creek and a college chapter in Albion.
- Are you part of a larger organization?
Yes. The Battle Creek group is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, which was founded in 1976. Our local organization was founded in 1989. (All funds for our local operation come from local sources.)
Who builds new Habitat houses?
Individual volunteers and homeowners, as well as groups of volunteers from places of worship, organizations and corporations, both locally and out of state. Some licensed contractors are used, where necessary, such as plumbers and electricians.
How Can I Get Involved with Habitat?
You don't have to be a construction expert to become part of Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity. In fact, there are more than 100 ways you can help! (Click here for list.) From the office to the store to the construction or building rehab site, we can always find a place for volunteers!
To volunteer your time or talents, please click here now for our online volunteer interest form or call the Habitat office at (269) 966-2502. All people, regardless of background or belief, are welcome!
Do you give the homes away?
No. The homes are sold, without profit and the homeowners take on a twenty-year mortgage at zero interest. Their down payment for a home is $500.00 plus 500 hours of volunteer labor (called “sweat equity”). Habitat homeowners work hard for their homes.
Where do you get the money?
Our money comes from tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, organizations and houses of worship. We do not use government money except for land, infrastructure development and the waiving of permit fees. We also do not get any funds from Habitat for Humanity International — all funds are raised locally.
We send a small percentage of our income to affiliates in developing countries to contribute to the elimination of poverty housing around the world. The remainder of the needs for each house are contributed through donated services, materials and land.
What does Habitat do with the mortgage money?
The money is used to build more homes. This means that every donation to Habitat is a perpetual legacy to the community.
Who founded Habitat for Humanity?
Millard and Linda Fuller started Habitat for Humanity International in Americus, Georgia. Millard, an attorney, felt that it was a shame that many working people in the richest country in the world had to live in substandard housing.
How is former U.S. President Jimmy Carter connected
to Habitat?
Former President Carter, and his wife Rosalynn, have been long-time Habitat supporters and volunteers. They both help bring national and international attention to our organization.
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Why Does It Matter?
We've learned in two decades of building homes that
adequate housing fundamentally transforms the lives of those living in them. We know
that decent housing is not the cure for every ill that poverty imposes, but it does mean
that children play and sleep in a cleaner environment, that parents can rest assured that
their families are safe and secure…and that their children are healthy.
With greater stability and improved health, families can turn their attention to new
opportunities in education or employment, in family unity and community engagement.
How Does this Work Connect with Children?
A child living in inadequate housing has an increased risk of slow growth and is
10 times more likely to contract meningitis, respiratory problems or asthma. And that's just the beginning. Children who live in inadequate housing have lower educational attainment and a
greater likelihood of being impoverished and unemployed as adults.
Children in proper shelter are more likely to escape poverty and unemployment
as adults.
Safe, solid
housing, eliminates many of the environmental hazards that pose health threats to
children and parents alike. While many factors contribute to a child’s absence from school, poverty is often the
common denominator linking millions of children across the globe. Adequate, affordable shelter also creates
a foundation on which families can undertake life’s many tasks such as fostering an
environment conducive to learning.
We’ve seen affordable housing create new opportunities for parents to enroll
their children in school. We’ve seen children, once distracted and burdened by their
substandard housing, take on a new interest, excel, study, learn, and thrive. And we’ve seen
them move on to greater things such as a college education and new opportunities for
growth in the workforce.
How can I learn more about Habitat homeownership?
Call the office at (269) 966-2502. Or click here now.
How can I make a tax-deductible donation to Habitat?
We depend on the generosity of people like you to continue our work in the community. To make a tax-deductible contribution or pledge today, please click here now. Several convenient options are available. Thank you!
What is the ReStore?
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a retail outlet that sells new, surplus and recycled building materials to the public at very low cost. We also sell a wide variety of other household items, including furniture, lights, appliances and much more. (Learn more.)
Is the ReStore open to the public?
Yes! Anyone can shop at ReStore. We also invite you to make donations of new, surplus or recycled items in good condition. All proceeds will be used to support the ongoing mission of our local Habitat operation.
How do I contact the ReStore to make a donation?
Call the ReStore at (269) 441-1038 or the office at (269) 966-2502. A volunteer may be able to pick up your donation if you are unable to deliver it to the store. Revenue from our ReStore builds one to two houses a year. To make a financial contribution to Habitat, click here now.
What hours is the ReStore open?
The ReStore is open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that all donations and pickups must
be made by 4:30 p.m.
What hours is Habitat office open?
Habitat is open Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where is the Battle Creek Habitat for Humanity office located?
We are located at 551 W. Michigan Ave.,
Battle Creek, MI 49037. For a map to our location, please click here now.To reach our office by phone, call (269) 966-2502, or click here to send an e-mail message. |
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