"If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. Do not take interest of any kind from him, but fear your God, so that your country man many continue to live among you." Leviticus 25:35-37

Habitat for Humanity, Victoria (HFHV) is a non-profit Christian ecumenical housing ministry that builds quality, low cost homes in partnership with low-income families and the Victoria community. Our mission is: "[To] work in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities by building and renovating houses so that there are decent houses, in decent communities, in which people can live and grow into all that God intended."

Volunteers build the houses, which are funded by donations from foundations, corporations, local businesses and individuals. Qualifying families purchase their homes at cost and pay the purchase price back over a 30-year period with no interest. These monthly payments create a sustainable funding source and are recycled into building more homes for other needy families. Partner Families are required to work 300 hours of "Sweat Equity" per adult, 180 hours of which must be expended on their own house.

The homes built by habitat families and volunteers are simple, decent single family homes. They vary from 1,000 to 1,200 square feet, depending on family size. They have central heat and air conditioning and yards for the families to enjoy. Each house costs about $55,000 and monthly payments are about $330, which includes taxes and insurance.