Habitat Cabarrus Accepting Homeownership Applications from July 15 to August 1

Mandatory Information Sessions Mon., July 11 at 11:30 a.m. and Thurs., July 14.  at 7:00 p.m.

 CONCORD, N.C. (June 20, 2022) – Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County (Habitat Cabarrus) is once again welcoming families and individuals to apply for its affordable homeownership program. Applicants must be first-time homebuyers, demonstrate a need for affordable housing, have the ability to pay an affordable mortgage and be able to complete all program requirements.
Selected homebuyers and age-appropriate members of the household will complete 250 sweat equity hours (16-17 years old 100 hours) on home builds, The program requires members of their household to attend approximately 50 hours of homebuyer education courses prior to purchase. These unique requirements prepare future homeowners for success and have shown amazing results in Habitat Cabarrus’ 32-year history.   Throughout the pandemic, Habitat Cabarrus homeowners have zero defaults on their mortgage payments.

“We are so happy to be creating transformational opportunities for families and individuals to become first-time homebuyers at a time when the pandemic has exacerbated housing instability for people throughout our region,” says William Shelton, Chief Executive Officer at Habitat Cabarrus.

Online pre-applications will be accepted from July 15 through Aug. 1, 2022.  Habitat Cabarrus will hold two information sessions on its Homeownership Program, anyone applying is required to attend in person or virtually.  The sessions will be held on Monday, July 11 at 11:30 a.m. and on Thursday, July 14, at 7:00 p.m. at McGill Baptist Church at 5300 Poplar Tent Rd, Concord, NC 2827, and live-streamed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/habitatcabarruscounty.  To attend a session in person please RSVP .  We will be taking calls Tuesday, July 5^th from 9 to 4 as well as registering online to reserve your seat, space will be limited.

RSVP HERE

All Habitat homebuyers pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves.

“Owning a home in these uncertain times has provided stability for our children. Within the walls of our home, our children experience safety. This is a gift beyond measure,” says Latori Stevenson, current Habitat Cabarrus homeowner in Kannapolis, N.C.

To learn more, please visit www.habitatcabarrus.org or call (704) 786-4001.

Habitat Cabarrus Golf Tournament May 23, 2022

REGISTER HERE

Homeowner Celebrates Paying Off Home, Joins Habitat Cabarrus Board

Audrea Chapman was recently appointed to the  Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County board of directors. On the surface, that seems to be no big deal. Dig a little deeper, though, and an amazing story emerges.

Twenty years ago, Chapman was in the process of obtaining

Audrea Chapman on the front porch of her Habitat Cabarrus home.

her own Habitat home, going through the vetting process, putting in the sweat equity hours, taking financial

classes, anything needed to get her and her young son into their own home.

“We were living with my mom and her husband, and it was a two-bedroom house. My son was 10 at the time and we were sharing a bedroom,” recalled Chapman. “The house wasn’t in bad shape, but it was crowded.

“I remember praying every day for the 30 days before I was approved; I prayed every night for the Lord’s blessing. At the end of the 30 days, I got that house.”

Last month Chapman made the final payment on that house. It is now hers, free and clear, except for the amazing journey, the wonderful memories supplied by the house in Kannapolis.

MORE

Restrictions Lifted, Volunteers Will Soon Be Back On Home Builds

On June 1, next Tuesday, Habitat for Humanity International is lifting our volunteer restrictions! We are

 excited to begin engaging volunteers on our upcoming new home builds. State and local protocols will still be in place for everyone’s safety.

Veteran Nonprofit Leader Bill Shelton Named Habitat Cabarrus CEO

Bill Shelton, an executive with a broad background in leading nonprofits, has been named the CEO of Habitat For Humanity Cabarrus County.

Shelton most recently was the CEO of the Future Citizens Foundation: The First Tee Monterey County-Taylor Farms Center 4 Learning in Salinas, California.

“It is an honor to join the Habitat For Humanity Cabarrus County team,” said Shelton, who graduated from Western Michigan University with a double major in business administration and sports and recreational management.  “A person without shelter or shelter in need of maintenance is left exposed to the harsh elements of life and its negative influences. Habitat provides a shelter of hope for the present and future residents of Cabarrus County and the world. I am excited to be part of a team and organization that aids in God’s work.”

As the CEO of Habitat Cabarrus, Shelton will be responsible to the board of directors for promoting the overall vision and direction of the organization and help ensure that long-range plans are developed and carried out to sustain healthy growth and financial stability. He will work closely with staff and board to raise support for Habitat Cabarrus’ mission, will oversee all areas of operations and serve as a housing advocate and governmental liaison in the community.

“We are pleased to have Bill join Habitat Cabarrus as our CEO. Bill is a servant leader who understands the impact housing makes on generations of families,” said Dave Hunkele, chairman of Habitat Cabarrus’ board of directors. “Bill has served youth and families in several nonprofit leadership roles over the years, and he has a passion for building relationships across the community.”

When Shelton took leadership of the Future Citizens Foundation in 2018, the organization had a $1 million deficit. In two years, he led the organization to a $1 million surplus. In the process the organization managed to reach 1,200 additional youngsters in 2019, topping 10,000 youth served in a single year. Also, in 2019 the organization awarded 15 $20,000 scholarships.

As executive director and general manager of the Broward County, Florida, YMCA from 2011 to 2014, Shelton drove large membership increases and retention rates. Retention rates jumped up to 75 percent in every member category and member usage rose from 6,200 visits annually to over 20,000. During that same period senior adult membership increased 900 percent.

Shelton, who is married and lives in Mint Hill, begins his new position on Monday, May 3.