Solano Napa Habitat for Humanity (SNHFH) is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, which was founded in 1976 and is based in Americus, Georgia. Working successfully in over 1,679 U.S. cities and in 87 countries, Habitat has built more than 155,000 homes worldwide. Habitat is the 15th largest homebuilder in the U.S.

In fourteen years of existence, the Solano affiliate has built eight homes and renovated one.

Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, SNHFH works very hard to be a solution to the affordable housing crisis facing Solano and Napa counties. We are financed completely by private donations and grants that come from individuals, community groups, corporations, charities, foundations, schools and religious organizations.

Local and State government assistance also helps SNHFH eliminate substandard housing by providing grants and loans for land purchases and street/utility installation. Local governments also waive or reduce certain fees when possible, and provide other incentives to permit us to build simple, decent homes at affordable prices.

Each dollar donated in time or materials reduces the overall cost of the home for a Habitat family. Any remaining costs to build the home becomes the basis for a 20-year no-interest loan. No profits are made when the homes are sold to selected homeowners, and the monthly payments fund future Habitat projects. Each family is required to invest 500 hours in the construction of their home, and to attend homeowner education classes to learn how to maintain their property. Habitat retains the right to repurchase the home from the homeowner by returning all their payments, should circumstances require them to relocate. The home is then resold to a new Habitat partner at the original construction cost amount.

By 2010, SNHFH hopes to increase its construction to 22 houses per year. This is equivalent to two homes per community in Solano and Napa Counties per year. Currently, the volume of funding must be expanded to reach this goal. Funds are collected from personal gifts, church and civic support, corporate donations, grants and fundraisers.