By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Habitat for Humanity of Rowan County has been around since the late 1980s, with houses all over Rowan County.
But, in recent months Habitat has seen a decline in applicants.
Executive Director Coleman Emerson said he’s not completely sure why there’s a decline but believes the economy could be the reason.
“We don’t really know. I think when the economy is not the best, people in all income categories become more cautious,” Emerson said.
It not just the case in Rowan, but it’s true of all Habitat affiliates, he said.
The process is simple, people should call the Habitat office or stop at the Habitat ReStore, 125 E. Innes St., for an application brochure.
Homes go to low-income families and are financed for 20 years with a zero interest loan, which must be repaid.
A monthly payment to own a three or four bedroom Habitat home would be about $400 per month. This monthly payment helps pay the loan balance, the homeowners insurance and the property taxes for the house.
Homeowners must put in 400 hours worth of sweat equity into their home or other Habitat fundraising opportunities. Essentially the owner helps to build their own home.
“We try to have a house going on all the time,” he said.
Although there’s usually a house being built all through the year, winter is the hardest.
“If there’s any time when are more likely not to have a house going is in the deep winter. Construction is always harder in the winter. The ground often gets wet and stays wet,” Emerson said.
Habitat is a nonprofit Christian ministry that has built 78 homes in Rowan.
“We always need someone to help,” Emerson said.
For more information about an application, visit www.habitatrowan.org or call 704-642-6292.