Through volunteer labor, management expertise, and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds homes with the help of homeowners. Houses are sold at no profit to partner families, and no interest mortgages are issued over a fixed period. Currently a 1,050 square foot habitat house in the Clarksville area costs homeowners an average of $35,000. Small monthly mortgage payments are repaid over a period of 20 years. These monthly funds are deposited into a revolving "House Fund" which supports the construction of more houses.
Habitat is not a giveaway program, but is a joint venture in which those who benefit from the housing ministry are involved in the work at various levels. Each homeowner family is required to invest 300 to 500 "sweat equity" hours into the construction of Habitat houses and development of life skills. This reduces the cost of the house, increases the pride of ownership among family members, and fosters the development of positive relationships with other persons.
Families make application and the family selection committee chooses homeowners based on three principles: the family's need for adequate shelter, their ability to pay, and their willingness to partner. Every project follows a non-discriminatory policy of family selection.