In this interview, Steve Dwyer, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, speaks with Our Ventura TV host, Sandra Siepak, about their community activities.
In addition to helping to repair homes, they build new homes at an affordable level for people who are at or below the 50% percentile of median income in Ventura County. Currently, that’s about $45,000 for a family of four.
The group identifies and develops properties, while working with cities and the county as necessary, just as any other developer. In fact, they could also be described as a sizable construction outfit for safe, affordable housing in Ventura County.
Dwyer outlines the selection process to receive a new home, which includes:
1) A needs assessment
2) Income requirements
3) An agreement to partner with Habitat for Humanity in the process of building, including 500 hours of work. They would also agree to take home-owner classes and would need to pay back the home loan.
Dwyer speaks about the volunteer network that is fundamental to the home building and home repairs. Volunteers can also help with administrative functions or help in their retail “Restores” in Oxnard and Simi Valley, which are discount home improvement stores. They have partnerships with schools and universities for volunteers. There are also retirees who are volunteers. Anyone is welcome as a volunteer.
He also discusses funding sources and fundraising events.
The organization mission is: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
Their vision is stated as: A world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Click the following link to to view a 1 minute Public Service Announcement for Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County.
Producer: GeorgeAlger.com
Director: Petrina Sharp
Sponsor: NONPROFIT FIRE, Fundraising for Nonprofits
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Sponsor: PJ MURALS, We Paint Your World Beautiful
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Sponsor: SKYWORKS MARKETING, Performance Advertising
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