Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Syracuse Habitat for Humanity build?
Syracuse Habitat for Humanity builds homes in Onondaga County, most of which are within the Syracuse city limits. In 2000, the affiliate made a commitment to the City of Syracuse to build 25 homes on the City’s Near Westside. Syracuse Habitat has since exceeded that number, building 32 homes in that neighborhood.
How are funds raised?
The majority of funds come from individual donors. The remaining sources of funding come from faith communities, foundations, organizations and businesses.
Are donations sent to Habitat for Humanity International in Americus, GA used to build houses in Syracuse?
It depends. If the check is made payable to SYRACUSE Habitat for Humanity, or if you specifically state that gift is for Syracuse or Onondaga County, then the donation will be sent to Syracuse. Unspecified gifts, or checks made payable to Habitat for Humanity that are sent to Americus, GA, will be used to build houses overseas.
I want my donation to stay local. How do I achieve this?
Make your check payable to Syracuse Habitat for Humanity, and send it to the Syracuse office at 308 Otisco Street. You can also donate online by clicking our Donate Now button.
Does Syracuse Habitat for Humanity tithe?
Yes! A tithe of 10% of all unrestricted donations received by the affiliate are sent to Habitat for Humanity International, and are used to build homes in Uganda.
How are partner families chosen?
Syracuse Habitat for Humanity is an Equal Opportunity Builder and Lender. In order to qualify, families must have an income too low to qualify for a conventional mortgage, live in substandard housing conditions, and have a willingness and ability to partner with Syracuse Habitat for Humanity through volunteer work and repayment of the mortgage.
Does Syracuse Habitat for Humanity give away homes?
No, we build the homes and then sell them to qualified partner families. A homeowner must be able to provide a $1,000 down payment and be willing to work 300 hours of “sweat equity” on the building of their home.
Does Syracuse Habitat for Humanity accept donations of building materials for their homes?
Yes we do. If you have access to building materials that you wish to donate, please contact the office at 315-422-2230. If we can’t use the materials for our Habitat homes, we might be able to take them at the ReStore.
What is the ReStore?
The ReStore is a DIY dream - good, usable building materials at a fraction of retail prices. The ReStore accepts donations of new and used building materials and resells them to the GENERAL PUBLIC. All proceeds are used to support Syracuse Habitat for Humanity in its mission to provide home ownership opportunities for low income families in our area.