A family in need of decent shelter should apply to their Rice County Habitat. Our family selection committee chooses families based on their level of need, their ability to repay their mortgage loan, and their willingness to partner with Habitat. Sign up on our website to speak to someone about our programs and availability. habitatricecounty.com 

The policy of Rice County Habitat is to provide simple and decent housing.  The size of the house will be determined by the composition and size of the family.  One bedroom will be allowed for each two children of the same sex.   Basic houses have one bathroom.  Homes will have a garage. Appliances included.  Partner families may choose siding, cabinets and countertops.  

You must attend and informational session.  We meet one-on-one with you for privacy reasons. You can go to our website to sign up. habitatricecounty.org. You can get the application at that time. 

A selection committee from the Rice County Habitat board reviews all applications and the Family Services committee makes a home visit.  The committee follows a non-discriminatory selection process without regard to race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, disability, color, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Rice County Habitat has the first right of purchase.  We will split and appraisal fee and use that as the sale price.  If before 10 years we also have a shared appreciation. We will go over this with you. 

If over 18 yes any time.  If 16-18 they can come with a waiver signed by a parent and only if a parent, is there with them. 

Yes. Rice County Habitat for Humanity is an Equal Housing/Equal Opportunity lender and does not discriminate against anyone based on race, religion, source of income, or family make-up.

No, but you do have to have INCOME. Income consists of regular sustainable monthly funds. If you are only receiving Social Security Income, or retirement income, you may still be eligible. As long as your income is enough to support your family size based on our income requirements. Unemployment income and food stamps do not count as income.

Yes! We are not affiliated with Section 8 or other government housing programs. Therefore, you are still eligible to apply to our program. While you are eligible to apply to the program, since we are not affiliated with government housing, your voucher might be able to be applied to your mortgage payments.

Yes. Habitat will do a background check and check names against the sex offender registry on all applicants before final approval.

Don’t worry, we have Site Supervisors and returning volunteers that will guide you along the way.  It’s ok to ask questions and make sure you let the supervisors know if you don’t feel comfortable to do a task.  There is plenty of work to do at every skill level.  

Construction volunteers need to be 18 years and older to volunteer.  

When you arrive at our site, park close to the build site without blocking mailboxes and driveways.  During the warmer months, we will have you sign in at our volunteer trailer.  During the winter months, go ahead to walk into the home.  Our Site Supervisor will be there to greet you.  We work from 8 am to 3 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  If you need to leave early or come late, let us know on the sign up form.  4 hour half days are allowed.  

Dress for the weather.  Layers, layers, layers.  Closed toed shoes are a must even in summer.  Long pants and t-shirts are great for a warmer day.  You may want to bring sunscreen for the warmer days and a hat.  You do not need to bring tools or supplies.  If you would like to bring your own tool belt, hand tools and/or work gloves, make sure you mark them in away that you know they are yours.  We do have hard hats, work gloves and safety goggles if you need them.

We will have coffee, water and gatorade for you as well as snacks and lunch.  If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please plan for your own lunch.

We will let you know as soon as we can if we need to cancel.  There are circumstances out of our control, weather and supply chains are a couple of those things.  Keep an eye on the weather report as your volunteer day get closer.

No.  You only need to sign a waiver once in a calendar year.  Every volunteer that comes to our site needs a waiver on file.

Individuals that needs to complete service hours are welcomed.  Contact our office to discuss this process: Jodihabitat@gmail.com or 507-403-7868

All group volunteers (3 or more people from the same organization) should schedule with our Community Engagement Coordinator, Jodi Wagner: jodihabitat@gmail.com or 507-403-7868.  One to two people should be the main point of contact for the group.

Don’t worry, we have Site Supervisors and returning volunteers that will guide you along the way.  It’s ok to ask questions and make sure you let the supervisors know if you don’t feel comfortable to do a task.  There is plenty of work to do at every skill level.

We woud like to have groups commit to a whole day of volunteering and on the days we have scheduled on our website.  If you would like to schedule a half day or on a different day, you must coordinate with our Community Engagement  Coordinator.

We would like the groups to provide a lunch for their group and our crew leaders at most cases.  Habitat will provide all of the plates, plasti wear and beverages for the group lunch.

All volunteers should be 18 and older to work on our construction site.  All volunteers need to complete a waiver before their volunteer day.

Absolutely!  We always welcome volunteers back to help our families build their houses.

Dress for the weather.  Layers, layers, layers.  Closed-toed shoes are a must, even in summer.  Long pants and t-shirts are great for a warmer day.  You may want to bring sunscreen for the warmer days and a hat.  You do not need to bring tools or supplies.  If you would like to bring your own tool belt, hand tools and/or work gloves, make sure you mark them in away that you know they are yours.  We do have hard hats, work gloves and safety goggles if you need them. 

Our numbers can vary from day to day.  You can look to our construction volunteer sign up to see how many volunteers are signed up and then add 3 more for Site Supervisors.  We always so to plan of  about 12 volunteers and plan for extra to take home.  You can contact our Coomuntiy Engagement Coordinator at jodihabitat@gmail.com or 507-403-7868.

Habitat will provide paper plates, plastic wear, napkins, drinks for the lunch.  WE DO NOT have serving utensils so please plan for ladles. Serving spoons or spatulas as needed.

If you would like to drop off lunch, plan for the appropriate number of volunteers and use disposable pans and serving wear.

Yes, we have electricity for your crock pots or such for lunch.

Yes!  If you would like to donate gift cards, money or have lunch order please reach out to our office at jodihabitat@gmail.com or 507-403-7868.  Since we already have plates and drinks at the site.

Yes!  We believe that Habitat builds a community so eating lunch together is another way for us to build community.