Habitat for Humanity of Berks County is a 501(c)(3) ecumenical Christian charitable organization which exists to create affordable homeownership opportunities with and for low-income families. Families who purchase Habitat for Humanity homes must first contribute 400 hours construction labor on a Habitat home, a contribution we call “sweat-equity.” Homes are sold to the families at no profit, and financed by Habitat for Humanity of Berks County with zero-interest mortgages. The payments made by the families on their mortgages are then used to build more homes in our community. We rely on volunteers and families contributing sweat-equity for the “un-skilled” labor needed to build the homes. Working in this way, we believe we provide families a “hand-up” rather than a “hand-out,” while also providing a way for good people to assist hard-working families in our community.