Habitat for Humanity-Golden Empire (HFH-GE) is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). We are a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry seeking to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness around the world. Our mission is to make decent housing a matter of conscience. Our affiliate, HFH-GE, carries out the Habitat mission in Kern County, by inviting people from all walks of life to work together in partnership to help build houses with families in need. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman, and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety.

Using volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity builds houses with the help of future homeowners, Habitat's partner families. Houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed through affordable, no-interest mortgages, and repaid over a fixed period, usually 20 to 30 years. Monthly mortgage payments are used to support the construction of more houses through a revolving Fund for Humanity.

Habitat's ministry is based on the conviction that to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, we must love and care for one another. Our love must not be words only- it must be true love, which shows itself in action. Habitat provides an opportunity for people to put their faith and love into action. We bring diverse groups of people together to make affordable housing and better communities a reality for everyone.

Building Homes...Building Hope

Although Kern County has traditionally been one of California's most affordable communities for housing, decent housing remains out of reach for thousands of low-income residents. Many Kern County families survive in run-down and overcrowded houses, apartments, motel rooms and garages. Some pay as much as 75 percent of their income for grossly inadequate shelter. This prevents them from ever saving enough money to break the cycle of poverty.

Habitat for Humanity breaks the cycle of poverty by building simple, decent houses in partnership with low-income families. Habitat is not a charity. Families contribute hundreds of hours of "sweat equity" to the construction of their homes and other Habitat projects. After completion of a house, the family makes a one-percent down payment as well as monthly mortgage payments. Habitat homes are affordable to very low-income families because ours is a no-profit, zero-interest mortgage. Mortgage payments are used to build more homes.

Habitat homes are built using volunteer labor (skilled and unskilled) and donated funds and materials. A local board of directors from across the community oversees all work of Habitat for Humanity-Golden Empire. Standing committees involve volunteers in family selection, site selection and development, family partnership, church relations, fund raising, public relations and construction. New committee members are always welcome. HFH-GE receives financial support, volunteer labor and in-kind contributions from individuals, churches, businesses and community organizations. HFH-GE is a tax-exempt California nonprofit corporation, and is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Our Track Record: As of August, 2008, HFH-GE has housed 136 children and completed 39 homes. Our first home was completed in 1992.
• An additional three houses will be under construction by December 2008.
• In addition to building in the greater Bakersfield area, Habitat builds homes throughout Kern County, including Taft, Arvin, Tehachapi, and Delano.
• For the eighth consecutive year, Union Bank of California will sponsor a home to be built at the 2008 Kern County Fair then moved to its permanent location in southeast Bakersfield.
• Homeowner families are selected on the basis of: 1) need for adequate housing; 2) ability to repay a no-interest mortgage; and 3) willingness to partner with Habitat.
• Habitat homes in Kern County sell for about $80,000 which is far below the current Kern County median home price of around $238,000.
• Monthly payments on a no-interest Habitat mortgage are about $500.
• Habitat houses in Kern County are about 1,100 square feet for a 3-bedroom, one-bathroom plan.
• It takes about 18 weeks to complete a Habitat house, with most work performed by volunteers on Saturdays.

Become a Habitat Volunteer!