One of 86 affiliates in North Carolina, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro was formed in 1987 as a vision of four Christians from Greensboro, inspired by their Habitat experience in Peru. "Time, sweat, perseverance and love have developed the vision into a successful organization and community," said one of the founders. What began as a vision of four men encompasses over 4000 volunteers and staff today.

In the beginning Habitat of Greensboro was building an average of five homes per year, which quickly accelerated to 10. Today, Habitat is building at the rate of 25 to 30 houses per year. Houses are sold at the appraised value. Habitat makes a first mortgage loan of $70,000 to $83,000 that is paid over 20 to 30 years. The remainder of the sales price is also loaned to the homeowners. These second and third loans are forgiven over the period of the first mortgage.

• Ideally, mortgage payments are set at 25% of the homeowners' gross monthly income.
  
• All loans are interest free and after the down payment of 1% are repaid over a 20 to 30 year term.
  
• Total monthly payments including a provision for taxes, insurance and maintenance average around $400.
  
• Families are required to contribute 300 hours of "sweat equity"-- volunteer labor -- on their own and other Habitat houses.