No, and no. While it is possible that at some time during their lives they may have experienced homelessness, Habitat homeowners are typically hard-working families who are employed and housed. Most often they live in expensive, sub-standard, and even unhealthy rental housing.
Habitat homes are not free. Homeowners pay a mortgage, property taxes, and are responsible for any repairs to their home. All the homes built by Treasure Valley Habitat for Humanity are built using all-volunteer labor, so the homeowner’s mortgage typically is for the value of the materials. This enables them to have an affordable mortgage payment that is no more than 30% of their gross monthly income. Additionally, mortgages are offered at 0% interest, which is a major factor in keeping payments reasonable.