What is an Apostle Partner expected to provide?

1. Prayer: We believe in the power of prayer to help us build on faith. We ask that our Apostle partners keep Habitat’s ministry, partner families, and volunteers in their prayers.
2. 1/12th of the Volunteer Labor: Over 1,000 hours of volunteer labor goes into the building on one Habitat home. Apostle Churches are asked to provide volunteer construction and meal crews. Construction volunteers can be skilled or unskilled. There is an age limit policy, only those 16 years and older are allowed to work during construction – please check with the Habitat office for waiver/release forms.
• How many days will we work?
  West Georgia Habitat typically builds on Saturdays from 8am – 5pm. Each church will have the opportunity of dedicating at least one Saturday (8-12 volunteers) throughout the course of the build. Homes can be completed in 6 – 8 weekends.
• What about meals?
  Lunch is always provided for crews; we would prefer that the church for the crew provide the meal. This has a double benefit – meals give volunteers the energy to work through the day, and mealtime provides a great time of fellowship. Meals can be as simple or fancy as you like. Ask the office for meal recommendations. Also coffee and pastries or afternoon snacks can also be provided for early morning and afternoon shifts.
3. 1/12th of the Funding: The cost of building a Habitat home is determined by the cost of land, building materials, etc. The money can be raised through individual contributions or congregational fund-raisers. It is also helpful when the church can secure donations of skilled labor, building supplies, or land. A West Georgia Habitat for Humanity home sponsorship is approximately $50,000.
• How much will it cost?
  The amount set is $4,000-$5,000 per Apostle Church. Due to the difference in congregational resources, we will also present the opportunity for two churches to act as one Apostle and split the cost.
  The donation amount agreed upon by WGHFH and the Apostle Church will be due on or before October 1, 2008. Donations can be made at any time before or between these dates.
4. Coordinating Support: It is crucial for Apostle partners to be well organized, in good communication with Habitat, and to be dedicated to each step of the process. Providing a liaison to work with the church and Habitat, plus 2-4 committed volunteers will ensure a successful experience.

What does Habitat provide?

• A building site, house plan, and building materials.
• A carefully selected homeowner family (Selected according to need, willingness to partner, and ability to repay the mortgage)
• Construction supervision, instruction, and training on the job site.
• Administration of the mortgage, recycling homeowner payments into future West Georgia Habitat for Humanity homes.
• Coordination, communication, and support for organizing construction and meal volunteers.
• Assistance and support with church awareness and fund-raising efforts.

Habitat Resources and Support includes:

• Coordination support. Our volunteer coordinator will work closely with your congregation to help with volunteer sign-ups and any other needs that arise.
• Updates. We will keep your congregational liaisons up to date with the status of the build. Photos will be made available and posted on the website.
• A speaker can readily be made available for groups from the entire congregation to Sunday school classes.
• A visit by a current or future homeowner can be arranged.
• Fund-raising support: See our “Fundraise for Faith” manual to use as a guide.

"Habitat for Humanity" is a registered service mark owned by Habitat for Humanity International.