Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity of Orange County is dedicated to ending substandard housing and building strong communities in Orange County, California.

All nonprofits have challenges to overcome. Some “asks” are easier to grasp that others.

For example, asking donors to pay for a meal is a low threshold gift.

Asking people to buy a house for someone—now that takes a bit more explaining. Especially in a high-price real estate market such as Orange County, CA.

People really do object, saying, “I can barely afford to own a home here. Why would I pay for someone else’s down payment?”

A few keys:

1. Show the “worthiness” of the family—it’s a hand up not a handout.

These are hard-working people often working two low-paying jobs.

They will have put in 400 hours of sweat equity while waiting for their house to come up.

2. It’s a reasonable price for the area

Habitat builds in the “cheap” areas of town, and benefits from a great deal of free or discount labor and materials

The new owners cannot turn around and sell at market-rate.

3. MOST IMPORTANT. The donor is having a generational impact on a family, neighborhood and community.

Home ownership changes families —adding stability, financial security, connection to a community. (it’s the American dream for a reason)

Their kids are often the first in their families to attend college. Which means the next generation will likely be better off financially (ending a cycle of poverty)

What are your nonprofits special challenges? A strategy and good storytelling can help.

p.s. If you are a DIY junkie, like me, you may enjoy volunteering at your local Habitat for Humanity. Besides the “feel good” aspect, I  love the hands-on construction experience I get on a Habitat build site!