Fergus Falls Area Habitat for Humanity (FFAHFH) is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI).  It was established in 1991 and serves the Western Otter Tail County region.  We wish to put God’s love into action and bring people together to build affordable homes and give hope to families in our local communities.  As of March, 2024, 64 homes have been rehabbed or built since the affiliate began.

As a non-profit, FFAHFH raises funds from individuals, businesses, organizations, and churches.  Habitat Homes are sold to families at an affordable price by keeping building practices simple and decent, using volunteer labor, and professional in-kind donations.  Families are selected for the program based on three criteria:  willingness to put in sweat equity, ability to repay (credit history and income guidelines), and an obvious need for better housing.

FAQs

  • A Christian non-profit organization that is now world-wide.  It was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller in Americus, GA.   

  • An affiliate of HFHI, FFAHFH serves communities in western Otter Tail County. 

  • Seeking to put God’s love into action, Fergus Falls Area Habitat for Humanity (FFAHFH) 

    brings people together to build affordable homes and give hope to families in our local communities.

  • Since 1991

  • 225 W. Cavour Ave., Suite H, Fergus Falls, MN  56537

  • 64 as of February 2024.

  • The majority of homes built or restored by FFAHFH have been done in Fergus Falls.  Other communities include Barrett, Battle Lake, Breckenridge, Dalton, Clitherall, Elbow Lake, Ottertail City, Pelican Rapids, Richville, Rothsay, Underwood, Fairmount, and Wahpeton.   

  • www.ffhabitat.org

  • FFAHFH raises money through grants, individual, organizational, business, and church donations.  These funds are used for the various costs of building a home.  They are also used to pay for operational expenses and a tithe FFAHFH has with HFHI to help support international Habitat for Humanity affiliates.

  • Habitat homes are sold to families as any other house.  The home is built simple, decent, and affordable.  Families have a mortgage just like any other home owner.  Monthly mortgage payments and interest rates vary depending on Partner Family circumstances.  By building simply, using volunteers for labor, and getting in-kind donations (i.e. roofing materials and services, appliances, cabinets, etc.) Habitat is able to sell the home at an affordable price.

  • There are four criteria for qualifying:

    • Residency

      • Must have lived or worked in West Otter Tail County for at least one year.

    • Demonstrate a need

      • Does your current home have health, safety, or affordability issues?

      • Do you have fewer bedrooms than necessary for the size of your family?

    • Ability to pay

      • Are you free of any collections, delinquencies, or bankruptcies?

      • Are you unable to get a traditional loan to purchase a home?

      • Does your income fall within 40-80%* of the Otter Tail County median family income for your family size? See the chart below. (*Up to 80% by exception)

    • Willingness to partner

      • Are you willing to contribute 100 hours of “sweat equity” per adult in the household?

      • Are you willing to participate in education and training programs?

  • People can apply online at ffhabitat.org under the “Partner With Us!” section.  Or they can call the office at 736-2905

  • Applications are not always being accepted year-round.  Instead, an “application period” is opened for people to apply when the affiliate has the ability to build a new home or renovate an existing one.

    Interested families can always inquire

    We are looking to create a “pipeline” of families for future home builds.  Families are encouraged to inquire about the process and show their interest at any time, even outside of an open application period.  This way we can keep in touch with them and help them toward becoming a Partner Family when the application process opens up.

  • 10 months

  • Volunteers are used in many ways.  Some help build the house out at the build sites.  Some people will serve on a committee or the Board of Directors.  Others will help transport materials to the landfill or move the tool trailer where we need it. 

    • Volunteering at a build

    • Donating money

    • Helping us make connections to churches, business owners, etc.

    • Serving on a committee or the board of directors

  • No.  They are helpful, but not necessary.  Everyone has the ability to help no matter what their skill level is.  Often, less experienced volunteers will team up with more experienced, regular volunteers.  Nobody has to do a job they don’t feel comfortable with.  We strive for volunteers to have an enjoyable experience and to do this we give them tasks to help with that fit their skills.

    Age Requirement: 16 years and older at the construction site.  16-17 years old cannot use power tools.  Anyone under 16 years of age can help with non-construction work (i.e. landscaping).

    Other Requirements: Must be wearing close-toed shoes. 

    • Home prices are outpacing wage increases

    • Fewer and fewer simple, decent, affordable homes being built

    • Simple, decent, and affordable homes built by Habitat will be a home to many families for decades

    • Helps the communities housing stock by providing new, affordable homes

    • FFAHFH provides a way for people to serve their neighbor and live out their faith

    • From 2000-2016 the number of cost burdened homes in MN increased by 58%.

      • “Cost-burdened” means a family spends greater than 30% of their income on housing.