The Homes for the Holidays Program
The Homes for the Holidays program positively impacts the lives of single-parent families by rewarding hard work and recognizing individuals who are actively improving their lives by achieving first-time home ownership.
The desired outcome of Homes for the Holidays is to give single parents an opportunity to establish a positive home environment where their children can thrive educationally, socially and economically. After qualifying for a home through one of the Foundation's housing partners, families are confidentially nominated and chosen by Mr. Dunn.
The Habitat for Humanity chapter responsible for the building and qualifying the recipient for the home is presented $5,000 to lower the new home-buyer's monthly mortgage payments. During a surprise, formal presentation, Mr. Dunn escorts the recipient through their brand new, fully furnished residence. This assistance alleviates the debt often associated with turning a house into a home. Homes for the Holidays invests in the future of single-parent families by providing the tools to create a stable and happy home.
Single-parents who are also first-time homeowners are nominated by WDC official housing partners and must have completed required pre-qualification criteria, such as financial literacy and sweat equity hours, to be eligible for consideration.
HFTH, through its presenting sponsor Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN) provides:
Furniture for every room
Dishes and cookware
Appliances
Lawn and garden equipment
Linens
Fully stocked pantry
Cleaning supplies
Home decor items
To learn more about Homes for the Holidays Hosting Opportunities and sponsorship of this program, click here.
Services Provided
1. Provides $5,000 grant to the Habitat for Humanity affiliate responsible for building and qualifying the selected recipient for the new home. The money is used as a down-payment for the recipient's home, lowering monthly mortgage payments.
2. Fills those homes with everything a first time homeowner needs, including: furniture, large and small appliances, linens, lawn and garden supplies, pots and pans, electronics, dishes, draperies, food, etc.
Recipient Selection Process
We partner with Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the Greater Atlanta area, Baton Rouge, Tallahassee and the Tampa Bay area.
Once a year, nomination forms are sent to these programs so they may nominate single-parents that will be ready to move into their selected home by our designated dates.
These individuals do not know of their nomination.
The nomination forms are given to Warrick to review and make his selections.
Items are placed in the houses one week prior to the day of presentation.
The recipient and family arrives at their house on presentation day thinking they are going to do their final walk thru and sign their closing documents.
Program Limitations
- We do not build houses.
- We do not "give" houses away.
- We do not provide our recipients with mortgages.
- We do not have any involvement at all with builders or lenders.
- We do not work with realtors to match recipients with property.
Homes for the Holidays Corporate Partner
