Flower City Habitat for Humanity

Location

280 North Union Street, Rochester NY, 14609-6013 in the Public Market-Unit 200A

Phone/Fax

585-546-1470 FAX: 546-1549

Email

<habitat AT rochesterhabitat DOT org>

Flower City Habitat for Humanity¹ is a group with hopes to eliminate poverty and substandard housing in our city. Since its beginning in 1984 they have built and rennovated over 140 houses. They are the second largest group affiliated with Habitat for Humanity International in the North Eastern United States. FCHH works year-round, Tuesday through Saturday.

FCHH typically builds several homes simultaneously on one street to make the most profound impact on a neighborhood. Targeted streets in the past include Cuba Place, Maria Street, Brown Street, Rauber Street, Silver Street, Fulton Avenue and Trust Street.

In late 2005, a study was conducted to measure the impact that FCHH is having on the Rochester community. Analysis showed that habitat homes since 1984 had added $5.6 million dollars to the city's tax base; a number that now increases by roughly $500,000 each year. What's more, habitat homes are typically assessed to be worth twice the value of their older neighboring homes. Non-habitat homes on a street targeted by FCHH have seen a marked increase in their own value.
Habitat homes also add stability to neighborhoods plagued with property abandonment and crime. On average, habitat homeowners live in their homes for 7.2 years. 97% of homes built by FCHH still house their original owners. 63% of habitat homeowners participate in some form of neighborhood watch program.
FCHH has made an impact on the lives of children as well. As of 2005, 344 children were removed from lead exposure by living in habitat-built homes. 71% of children in habitat homes graduate from high school and engage in some form of higher education. Of those who do not graduate, habitat children are more likely to pursue a GED.

Each habitat home costs about $65,000 to build. This money is typically raised through church coalitions, corporate donations, or groups of individuals. Habitat homeowners are selected by committee and must have stable employment and significant need for the home - i.e., children or other dependents. Future homeowners must contribute 500 hours of 'sweat equity', or labor to both their home and other habitat homes. Once the house is built and occupied, the owner makes monthly no-interest mortgage payments until the house is paid for in full.

• Official Site
  

• Volunteer Page

Flower City Habitat also operates a ReStore at the Rochester Public Market. This enterprise collects donations of quality used and surplus building supplies and sells them at discount prices. All profits made by the ReStore fund the construction of additional homes.
FCHH also collects school supplies to equip youngsters for school.