Family Services

Partner Family Mentors are an important part of Habitat’s work. The role of a mentor is to provide support (other than financial) for a new Habitat family who will be working to gain ownership of their first home. The family will have spent most of their adult lives living with relatives or friends or in a rental situation which may have been subsidized. They have little understanding of what is required to own and maintain a home and they need assistance from their mentor in making this transition.

Typical Duties Of A Mentor

1. Meet with the appropriate staff member of Habitat to discuss the Partner Family you will be assigned. You will be provided with a copy of their application and given all available information about the family. You will receive general information about the requirements a family must meet to own a home such as “sweat equity” and the required monthly hours. You will be scheduled for a more in-depth orientation.
   
   
2. Schedule your first visit with the family to determine areas of need where you can assist or provide guidance. For example you may need to act as a facilitator for them to obtain transportation or child care. Ask yourself “what would a friend do in this area?”
   
   
3. Maintain monthly in-person contact with your Partner Family. The family’s sweat equity requirements are fully explained in their letter of acceptance. Encourage them to begin work immediately and to continue working at least 15 hours per month. You will receive monthly reports on the family’s progress.
   
   
4. Insure that the family understands Habitat’s policies, including legal documents and Habitat house payment policy. You will be provided with this information in the orientation session.
   
   
5. Assist in decisions on the house construction. Partner Families may need help with floor plan and color selections. They also may need assistance with choosing floor coverings and appliances.
   
   
6. Help the family plan for moving into their new home. Many areas of need can surface in discussions about moving. For example you may need to explain utility transfers and deposits.
   
   
7. Share with your Partner Family your understanding of the legalities and responsibilities of homeownership. You are encouraged to be present for any signing of papers such as at the house closing.
   
   
8. Accompany the family in the final walk through of the house to identify items to be completed by the builder. You may also wish to review the homeowner’s manual and warranties with your Partner Family.
   
   
9. Help the Partner Family prepare for the house dedication. Be present for interviews with the media.
   
   
10. After the busy activity of moving and house dedication, visit your family often by phone or personal visit for at least one year.

It is important that the family mentor not be expected to enforce policy, as in the case of incomplete sweat equity hours. Explaining the expectations and the consequences of not meeting them is part of the mentor’s job, but enforcing those policies would compromise their friendship position.

Goals For The Mentor

1. Helping break the cycle of poverty
2. Demonstrating God’s love
3. Offering families a support system
4. Helping create successful homeowners

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