Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County is operated by a Board of Directors and 8 committees that work with community corporations and individuals to provide affordable housing to Whatcom County's working poor. They all work on a volunteer basis in order to keep building costs low.

The Habitat HomeStore brings in much needed funds

At the HomeStore we bring in donations of furniture, house wares, and building materials.  We then sell those donations at the store staffed by volunteers, and put those earnings into building more homes.  Everyone can contribute by donating items, shopping there, and helping to staff it!  Located at 1385 Admiral Pl, Ferndale WA 98248.  Open Monday-Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm, plus on Friday until 6:30pm.    

Paid & Volunteer Staff

Our office administrative staff manages the day-to-day operations, including program and affiliate business oversight, bookkeeping, and coordinating volunteer efforts.  They raise funds, approach trades & business suppliers to arrange tax-deductible in-kind materials donations. They work with local churches, assist our various committees, and work closely with the Board in keeping with our Strategic Plan.  The HomeStore staff assures that our largest fundraising endeavor runs smoothly.

· John P.C. Moon is Executive Director.

· Terry "Mateo" Mattson is Associate Director.

· Kendra Meyer is HomeStore Manager.

· Valerie Sabado is Office Manager.

· Kayli Nielson is Volunteer Coordinator VISTA 2009-10.

· Talia Haywood is Resource Development and Family Services.

How does Habitat work?

Habitat houses are purchased by the homeowner families and each pays a mortgage to the local Habitat affiliate, although no interest is charged.  The assessed value of the home is usually set at roughly half the market value.

Building is financed by a revolving Fund for Humanity that comes from Habitat home owner's mortgage payments, donations, no-interest loans provided by supporters and money earned by fund-raising activities.  The monies in the Fund for Humanity are used to build more houses.

Habitat is not a giveaway program.  In addition to a down payment and the monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.

One of Habitat’s important credos is: “A hand up, not a hand out.”

Three factors make the houses affordable to low-income people worldwide:

• Houses are sold at no profit, with no interest charged on the mortgage.
• Homeowners and volunteers build the houses under trained supervision.
• Individuals, local businesses, national corporations, local faith groups and others provide financial support.