Donations, whether to a local Habitat affiliate or to the National Office, are used as designated by the donor. Gifts received by HFHC that are designated to a specific affiliate or project area are forwarded to that area. All other donations are used in the best possible way to ensure the sound management of our construction and development projects. HFH Mtl financial statements are available upon request.

The Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity Canada determines policies and monitors operations of the national affiliates. The Montreal affiliate Board of Directors ensures operations run smoothly and oversees local projects. Board members are dedicated volunteers who are deeply concerned about housing problems caused by poverty in Quebec. Concerned citizens from all walks of life come together as volunteers to form a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in their community. Fund raising, house construction, family selection, and other key decisions are carried out by local affiliates.

We are always looking for people with all types of skills to serve on our committees.

Habitat for Humanity does not accept government funds for the construction of new houses or the repair of existing dwellings. However, Habitat for Humanity accepts government funds for the acquisition of land and houses in need of rehabilitation. Habitat for Humanity also accepts government funds for utilities, and affiliate administrative expenses, as long as the funds are not provided with conditions that could violate Habitat's principles.

To participate, complete the online volunteer application form (Get Involved!). Habitat is always looking for volunteers to work with the Quebec affiliates.

Get involved!
Participate in Habitat fundraising events
Participate in a build
Become a volunteer for an HFH affiliate
Serve on one of our committees to help raise awareness of our unique organization
Make a tax-deductible donation to your local Habitat affiliate, HPHMtl
Start or join a Campus Chapter
For more information, please contact us.

Habitat homeowners are not required to make a down payment on their home. Interest-free mortgage loans are provided by HPHMtl and are based on a family's income. The mortgage payments received from Habitat homeowners go into the revolving Fund for Humanity, which is then used to build more houses.

The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments go into a fund that is used to build more homes. The more homes that are built, the more cash flow there is available for further building. This revolving fund for Humanity creates exponential growth in the number of houses that are built over time.

Acquiring affordable land has been one of Habitat for Humanity's greatest challenges. Habitat seeks the assistance of all levels of government in acquiring suitable donated or cost reduced land. Habitat also relies on individual donors and real estate developers. Our advisory committee maintains close ties with a number of real estate agents.

Through volunteer labour, efficient management, and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat homes meet standardized design criteria to ensure the homes comply with all appropriate codes. Most Habitat projects are single-family dwellings or semi-detached homes, each with a special touch. However, the Advisory Committee considers other possibilities that may be more suitable to an urban environment.

The selling price is calculated by determining construction costs and site acquisition and development costs.

Construction costs include the cost of purchased building material and contracted labour (or the value if donated) as well as legal fees.

While donations vary from house to house, Habitat's objective is to offer comparable sales prices to families buying comparable houses, regardless of the donations received for any given build project.

The rules for determining the cost of site acquisition and development should always be based on the ability of the low-income family to pay, rather than the site's market value. Canada Revenue Agency requires that a reasonable value for land costs be included in Habitat mortgages. The key to dealing with this issue is for affiliates to consistently apply the same method to all properties, so that each family is treated in the same way.

Currently, a three-bedroom Habitat house in Quebec starts at $80,000. Prices will vary depending on location, and the cost of the land, materials, and labour.

Habitat homes are affordable for low-income families because the homes are sold without a down payment, no profit is included in the sale price, and the mortgage is interest-free. The average amortization period of a Habitat mortgage in Canada is 25 years

The local Habitat affiliate office holds mortgages until they are paid off.

The Habitat mortgage is designed to keep monthly payments low, encourage long term commitment, and prevent short term profit. This is done by way of a second mortgage. The first mortgage reflects the actual cost of the house, which is usually far less than fair market value. The second mortgage reflects the difference between the actual cost and fair market value. Upon repayment of the first mortgage, the second mortgage is forgiven. The value of the second mortgage decreases gradually over time, usually beginning at the 12-year mark.

To prevent purchases for speculation purposes, Habitat homes are not to be resold within the first 12 years. However, if a family must sell the home during the first 12 years, Habitat for Humanity would have the first right of refusal, and the second mortgage would become due.

There are three criteria a family must meet in order to qualify for a Habitat home. They are:
1- The need for affordable housing
A family in need of affordable housing is defined as a family with an income level below the government-set Low Income Cut-Off (poverty line) for that family's particular region, and living in conditions that are inadequate in terms of structure, cost, safety or size.
2- The ability to repay a Habitat mortgage
Ability to repay a Habitat mortgage requires that the family have a stable income sufficient to cover the monthly mortgage payments and other expenses that come with home ownership.
3- The desire to become homeowners
Homeowners must demonstrate a willingness to partner with Habitat by contributing 500 hours of volunteer labour ("sweat equity") towards the building of their home.

Families apply to the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. The Family Selection Committee chooses future homeowners on the basis of the above criteria. All affiliates follow anti-discrimination policies and race and religion are not used as selection criteria.

To apply for a Habitat for Humanity home in the Montreal area, you must complete an application form and attend an information session.

Over time, families' equity in their homes increases. Habitat families also often see an improvement in their financial situation since the percentage of their income being spent on housing remains at 25%. Many of these families were spending over 80% of their income on rent prior to purchasing a Habitat home.

A safe, healthy living environment contributes to the positive growth and development of children. Habitat has witnessed many examples of children within Habitat families becoming healthier, completing post secondary educations, and establishing successful careers.

The community benefits as former renters become homeowners and contribute to the tax base. Habitat build projects also offer opportunities for community members of all walks of life to come together and work side by side toward a common goal.

As the cycle of poverty is broken and families' financial situations improve, their dependence on local social services is decreased. In addition, pride of ownership leads to a renewed sense of confidence and, along with their stable, long-term housing arrangements, families become long-term contributors to the community and local economy.

Habitat for Humanity reviews the income of all Habitat homeowners on an annual basis. If income increases, monthly mortgage payments are adjusted to 25% of their monthly income. If income decreases, usually due to a temporary situation such as a job loss, adjustments may be made to ensure mortgage payments are still affordable during the difficult period.

Habitat for Humanity is committed to educating and supporting partner families so they can successfully experience home ownership. "If you give them fish, you feed them for a day; if you teach them to fish, you feed them for life."

Habitat makes every effort to work with the homeowner families to avoid foreclosure through such avenues as financial counselling or renegotiating mortgages. Whenever possible, Habitat prefers strategies such as redistributing payments (budgeting).