Building affordable homes in
Nez Perce and Asotin Counties since 1991
July 2021
Hand painted watermelon slice with text Hello Summer_ isolated on white background.
3 Things You Might Not Know about Habitat

by Deb Snyder
Executive Director
If you are not familiar with Habitat for Humanity you might think it is a single-faceted housing organization that works to build brand new homes for those in need. And you would be partially correct. However, there is more to L-C Valley Habitat for Humanity. So, I would like to share with you 3 things you might not know about your local L-C Valley Habitat, as well as Habitat for Humanity chapters around the world.

#1 First and foremost, Habitat for Humanity doesn’t just “give houses away"
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about the organization. Habitat for Humanity does not “give houses away,” rather, there is a structured process for purchasing a Habitat home. This process consists of attending several informational meetings, filling out a detailed application, attending interviews, and being willing to partner with Habitat (more about this under #3 – Sweat Equity). In addition to meeting the criteria above, homeowners also need to be within a certain income range depending on how many dependents are in that family. This income range is necessary because it bases applicants off financial need, but also makes sure that homeowners will be able to maintain their own home with an affordable payment plan. Our goal is not to set people up for failure, but rather to help homeowners become self-reliable while still being able to pursue other opportunities (like education) without their mortgage serving as a financial barrier.

#2 Not just brand-new houses, but also home repair and improvement to already existing homes 
In addition to brand-new homes, we also renovate already existing homes. We repair and improve homes and neighborhoods through programs such as Brush with Kindness and our Clarkston Affordable Home Repair program. These help improve local neighborhoods and promote the idea of a “decent home,” which is a safe home.  

#3 The importance of “Sweat Equity”
As I mentioned above, homeowners who partner Habitat pay an affordable mortgage (there is a zero percent interest rate), but the catch is that they are required to participate in sweat equity. This means that Habitat homeowners help build their homes alongside volunteers. I have had some prospective homeowners tell me that they are ineligible for obtaining a home through Habitat for Humanity because they can’t do any physical labor due to a disability. However, what these applicants do not know is that there are other ways they can participate in sweat equity. This might be things like bringing water bottles to the volunteers or help with various special events. Habitat will think of something and work with all individuals!
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
HOUSE #35
Our building permit was approved by the City of Lewiston so the next phase of our
35th build should be getting underway soon!
WE ARE HIRING! We are looking for a New Home Construction Manager. If you or someone you know might be interested in this part-time position, see our post and apply Indeed here.
It was SO EASY!
by Jim Piscitello
ReStore Manager
Did you know that you can donate your old cars to Habitat for Humanity? We have a program called “Cars for Homes.” It is a national program and so easy to use, as I found out personally last month. If you go into the donation wizard at this link you can easily donate old, unwanted cars that will in turn be fixed, cleaned up and resold and benefit Habitat for Humanity’s vision of ensuring Everyone Has a Decent Place to Live.
 
As I said, I have personal experience with this program. It took me less than 5 minutes, once I had the VIN and mileage, to complete the online registration from my phone. This was at 4pm on a Sunday. At 9am the next day, I received a call to set up an appointment and verify my address. At 8am the following day they were here to pick up my car (pictured)! So, in about 40 hours I got rid of an old, unwanted car. The process was so easy.
 
Thank you to my daughter Rylee for the car, and to Justin Scott and April Piscitello for signing over the title and helping me get Ry’s old car out of my yard!
New L-C Valley Habitat Programs
Now Accepting Applications for...
Click the images above to find out more information or get
applications for each program.
Monthly Store Special:
CHRISTMAS IN JULY!
All month long we'll have 50% off rotating specials throughout the store. Now is the time to get amazing savings!
Watch our social media pages or visit the ReStore for other "Manager Specials"
The Impact of Legacy Giving
Senior man and woman couple embracing at sunset or sunrise on a deserted tropical beach
To find out how you can include LCV HFH in your estate plan, please contact our director at 208.792.7568 or director@lewisclarkhabitat.org for more information.
Legacy or Planned Gifts

A planned gift is a wonderful way to create a lasting legacy for those charitable institutions that matter most to you. These donors are a special group of supporters whose foresights and support- at any giving level- will help L-C Valley Habitat for Humanity continue our mission for generations to come.

Examples of Legacy Gifts:
  • Will
  • Trust
  • Personal Beneficiary
  • Real Estate 
Know someone who might enjoy learning more about L-C Valley Habitat for Humanity? We have made it easy to SHARE our newsletter- see links below
2021 Board of Directors
Traci Birdsell, Secretary
Dave Clark, Chair
Barbara Craigie
Randy Martin
Mike Moscrip, Treasurer
Kaare Norland
Becka Picchena
Sunshine Siebert, Vice Chair
Deb Snyder, Ex-Officio /Exec. Director
1242 Highland Ave, Clarkston, WA 99403
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed : Sat-Sun
 (509) 758-7396