There is a great need for affordable housing in Santa Barbara. Here on the beautiful Central Coast of California, wage rates have not kept pace with the skyrocketing costs of housing. For low income families homeownership is a very distant dream. Low-income working families earning between $30,000 to $50,000 a year often spend more than half of their income on housing and often these families are forced to live in overcrowded apartments or unconverted garages, many of which do not meet minimum health and safety standards.
At Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County we are working to eliminate substandard housing in our community. We provide homes for those who often cannot afford rent. In 2008, the average monthly mortgage payment for a Habitat home in Santa Barbara was $480, far less than the average rental price at the time which was $1,600. By providing safe, decent, affordable homes, Habitat opens a door for low-income families, allowing them the opportunity for increased self-esteem and self-reliance. With the stability of a permanent home, families can devote increased attention to jobs, education, and health.
Habitat for Humanity International premiered this fantastic video at last month's National Affiliate Conference in Atlanta. It sums up all of the above and we hope you'll be as moved by the video as we were. It answers the question: What We Build?
