The current system of supplying housing is not based on filling a need but on milking the public for monetary recompense. On occasion this manages to fill a need but in general it seems to be inefficient but that's the way society is presently organized.

We'd all love to see this happen. Unfortunatly, like the guy said above, its a situation of supply and demand.

If they had lots of money, I'm sure they would do projects like this. Unfortunatly, they are barely scrapping by. Thus they need to make sure at least SOMEBODY pays. And because the poor dont pay often, as much as they would appreciate the help they get, they end up trying to appeal to the middle and upper class.

I'm not exactly sure what formula1 means when he says 'somebody pays'--I'm thinking that HH normally builds houses for people for free. I think they do it this way because it gets more attention than putting in new windows for someone and because they get more control over the quality when they're done.

It seems to me that there are plenty of the programs that 'fix-up' grandma's house to get in newspaper, but the work is often shoddy and badly done by non-professionals and attempted to be done in one day--because grandma's still living there and what do you expect for free?

The materials and labor are usually donated to HH. In KC, there's even a Habitat for Humanity store where they sell the 'extra' supplies at really cheap prices. It seems wrong to me that they'd sell donated stuff that the next house could theoretically use. ??

But really, I'd like to hear from someone that's a part of HH to tell us the real reason. Anyone listening?

i think most of you are missing my point. they are building houses for free already - but why not build MORE and SMALLER to help more people! AND repair EXISTING houses that are just going to be torn down - it would be even cheaper and even MORE people will have a place to live!

I emailed HFH:

Thank you for your e-mail to Habitat for Humanity International. We welcome the opportunity to share information about our organization with you.

In some cases where homes become abandoned due to foreclosure, Habitat for Humanity is able to acquire these abandoned properties, rehabilitate them and sell them to partner families. Purchasing abandoned properties and rehabilitating them helps to keep communities in good condition. In addition to this, local governments looking for ways to respond to vacant properties in their communities have considered selling the vacant properties to Habitat affiliates as an option to stabilize communities.

Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the United States often work with community partners to offer classes to prospective homeowners on personal budgeting, home repair and foreclosure prevention. In addition, Habitat affiliates often serve as community resources, referring families facing foreclosure to services that can assist them in preserving their home.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that builds housing in partnership with low-income families in need of a safe, decent and affordable place to call home. Low-income families in need of decent shelter apply to local Habitat affiliates. The affiliate’s family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the no-profit mortgage.

You can find more information about Habitat for Humanity on our Web site, www.habitat.org, or by calling the local Habitat affiliate in your area.