Founded in 1980 as the first Habitat for Humanity affiliate west of the Mississippi, Habitat for Humanity Tucson has been building affordable housing for deserving residents more than 30 years thanks to donations of money, material, land and time. Local contributions and area partnerships fund the building, land purchases and operation of missions. With that, Habitat Tucson builds between 15 and 20 homes a year.

So how does this process work? All applicants being considered must undergo a routine application process where they’re approved based on ability to pay, willingness to partner and need. It should be stated the Habitat for Humanity does not give away homes. In fact, the nonprofit aids in the process of homeownership by selling each family a home. The purchase price is attached to a 15- to 20-year interest-free loan plus 200 hours of “sweat equity” per adult per home.

Typically homes built by Habitat Tucson are standard 1,200-sq.-ft. One-story abodes with three bedrooms and one and three-quarters bathrooms. However, the organization is willing to accommodate families needing more or less room by offering one-, two- and four-bedroom layouts. Future plans show Habitat adapting two-story homes and multi-story attached condos into the community. According to its Web site, “We [Habitat Tucson] are also evolving our commitment to sustainable design and greenbuilding, including passive and active solar design, high R-value design, greywater plumbing, and adherence to such community standards as Pima County’s green program.” As new residents, parents breathe a sigh of relief and children look towards college. As a family, they give back to their community by becoming taxpaying citizens who value their homes and their neighborhoods.

Looking for ways to give? Here’s how according to Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s Web site.

Tax Credit: “The Arizona Tax Credit program allows you to receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona state income tax when you give to Habitat for Humanity Tucson, even if you’re already receiving a tax credit for a gift to a public or private school. Arizona simultaneously allows three types of tax credit, including one for organizations like Habitat who serve the working poor. For those filing a single tax return, your tax credit can be up to $200; for those filing jointly, up to $400.”

Sponsor a Home: “A full home sponsorship is $85,000; however, this doesn’t cover all of the costs associated with building a Habitat home. Government sources and entrepreneurial earned revenue provide $40,000 in gap support.’

Cars for Homes: “Donate a car, truck, boat, RV, motorcycle, construction equipment or other vehicle to Cars for Homes, Habitat for Humanity’s car donation program. Donations will help a family in Southern Arizona build a home and the hope of a better life.”

In-Kind Donations: “Habitat for Humanity Tucson is looking for in-kind donations of materials and professional installation to help complete our homes.”

Mail Donations: Strapped for time? Checks are always greatly appreciated.

For more information on how you can help, please visit www.habitattucson.org.