Habitat of Dane County builds homes and hope through the construction and rehabilitation of affordable homes. Vibrant and broad partnerships with qualifying families and the wider Dane County community of volunteers and organizations makes this possible.

Description:
Habitat provides home ownership opportunities for families earning 30-50% of Dane County median income, utilizing a broad range of volunteers and a limited number of skilled staff persons. Families are qualified with a rigorous application process. Selection is based on the need for adequate shelter, willingness to partner and ability to pay. Affordability is maintained through the utilization of monetary donations (individuals, churches, businesses, United Way and other grants) and through infrastructure development made possible by City of Madison and Dane County support to the extent these fulfill Habitat's Christian principals and Habitat International's guidelines. Mortgage payments are recycled to build more affordable homes.

Through information and advocacy, Habitat helps the community to recognize local housing needs and offers constructive solutions. Caring people find volunteer opportunities that develop lasting relationships, improve skills and demonstrate their potential. Habitat building sites bring people from all faiths and all walks of life together for a common goal. Families and volunteers work hard and have fun doing it. Unfortunately community and human needs continue to exceed what Habitat is currently able to provide.

History:
Habitat-Dane County was chartered in 1987 by Habitat International. As of January 2003, sixty-four homes were built; over 290 adults and children are living in owner-occupied homes. In September 2001, HFHDC ReStore, a used and surplus building materials center opened. This innovative operation, open to the general public, increases home improvement affordability, prevents useable building materials from landfill accumulation and underwrites one-two HFHDC homes per year.

Contact people:

Lisa Delany, Volunteer Coordinator, (608) 255-1549 Ext. 104, (email) Maggie Anderson, (608) 255-1549 ext112, (email) Lisa Seidel, Family Services Manager, 608-255-1549 ext. 101, (email)

Office fax number: 608-255-1823

Address:

P.O. Box 258128 Madison, WI 53725

Web Site: http://www.habitatdane.org

Directions:

The street address is 1014 Fiedler Lane, Unit # 29, Madison WI 53713. From the Beltline (Hwy.'s 12-18-151-14), exit at South Park St. Turn north onto Park St., turn west at W. Badger Rd., turn south onto Fiedler Lane. Alternately,. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: Corner of Fiedler Lane & W. Badger Rd., routes 4, 40, & 18, 10 minutes minute walk

Overall Experience   
Has been very welcoming and continues to be very satisfying!

I work with the Family Support Committee - What I love the most about volunteering with Habitat is that volunteers are vital to their organization and how it operates on a day to day basis - They value everything that each person brings to the table, whether it is experience or just plain ole' enthusiasm. Get involved in a committee and watch yourself make a change in someone's life. It's extremely exciting! posted by eamc on February 12, 2003