Policies

Donor Privacy Policy:

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell (HFHGL) is committed to respecting the privacy of our donors. Any information supplied to HFHGL by donors will be used solely to fulfill their donation and shall not be shared for any reason unless permission is granted by the donor to share such information. All requests to remain anonymous shall be honored.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell does not sell or share donor lists. Donors who supply HFHGL with their postal address or email address may be contacted periodically for solicitation purposes and/or information regarding upcoming events. All donors have the option to contact us via email, phone or postal mail to request to be placed on a “do not solicit” list.

All requests to be removed from HFHGL’s mailing list shall be honored. If you have questions or comments about our donor privacy policy, please contact us at gro.tatibahllewol@ofni

 , (978) 692-0927 or at 68 Tadmuck Rd, Unit 1, Westford, MA 01886.

Policy On Equal Opportunity And Non-Discrimination:

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell does not discriminate against anyone based on a person’s race, color, religion, gender, disability, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected genetic information, veteran status, military service or other characteristics identified as being protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

We are an equal opportunity employer and fair housing lender and we are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in all aspects of employment and company business. Employees are asked to respect co-workers, customers and management alike. Reports of discrimination will be investigated and disciplinary measures may be taken.

Policy On Child Labor And Youth Involvement

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell recognizes and adheres to all Federal and Massachusetts State labor laws regarding children and the potential risk to their safety while volunteering on a construction site or at our HFHGL ReStore. The following guidelines are strictly enforced to ensure the safety of children while engaged in volunteer activity with HFHGL:

  • Technical Schools and other youth build organizations will be allowed on site with their academic supervisor who has a valid CSL.
  • Volunteers 18 years of age or older will be allowed on a HFHGL construction/CHR site with the following exception:
  • Volunteers between the ages of 16 and 17 may be allowed on a HFHGL construction or CHR site ONLY when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • All volunteers under the age of 18 must complete a “Minor Waiver and Release” to be signed by a parent or guardian and submitted to HFHGL prior to any volunteer activity.
  • Volunteers between the ages of 16 and 17, whether at a HFHGL construction/CHR site or HFHGL ReStore, may not participate in any activities which are deemed hazardous including the use of power tools or motor vehicles, demolition, roofing or working from a height of six feet or more.
  • Volunteers 14 years of age or older may volunteer at HFHGL ReStore and in non- construction activities such as painting or landscaping on a HFHGL home only when no construction activity is taking place.
  • Volunteers 14 years if age and older will be adequately supervised at all times by having one adult present for every 3-4 volunteers.

HFHGL adheres to all Federal and State laws and regulations with regard to the times youth volunteers may be engaged in activities with HFHGL and the types of work they are allowed to do. A sample of these activities are listed above.

Policy For Home Owner Selection:

Homeowner selection will be based on the following criteria.

  • Current Income between 30% to 60% of the area’s median income. Income must be documented by tax returns or pay stubs as appropriate. (The preference is for AMI to be between 30-50%)
  • Need determined by current living conditions.
  • Ability to make down payment of $1000. If down payment assistance is available the applicant will be required to file for it and utilize it as closing and additional down payment.
  • Ability to make mortgage payments not exceeding 30% of their gross income.
  • The willingness of the homeowner(s) to work with Habitat and to contribute the necessary sweat equity as defined in the HFHGL Sweat Equity Policy.
  • Applicant lives, works or attends school within the affiliate territory.

The family selection committee will consider both the income of the applicant(s) as well as the total income of all people who will live in the house.

Any misrepresentation on the part of the applicant(s) could result in disqualification and removal from the Habitat program at any time prior to closing.

The following will NOT be considered in the selection process.

  • Race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, source of income, familial status, handicap, or sexual orientation.
  • Current city/town of residency unless this is stipulated as a pre-condition for HFHGL obtaining the property to be developed or part of a town or state requirement.