Sweat equity is an important principle in the Habitat for Humanity building model. It describes the investment of 500 hours in time and labor that our families contribute as a partner in our program.

We like to think of sweat equity as the down payment on a Habitat house. Unlike people who qualify for a traditional mortgage with a down payment, it’s very hard for the low-income population we serve to be able to have the funds necessary to put money down on a house. But what these families can contribute is the time, their interest, and a personal investment of themselves and their families to be able to get into a new home.

An individual or family who is willing to contribute 500 hours of sweat equity as a down payment demonstrates to Knoxville Habitat for Humanity that they are a committed partner with us improve their housing situation. The majority of the sweat equity hours are earned through our Family Partnership classes that teach skills in budgeting, home repairs and being a good neighbor, all geared towards helping our families be the best homeowners they can be.

To be certain, sweat equity is a family affair. Children earn sweat equity hours by working hard at school and getting good grades. Each “A” is worth 4 hours and each “B” is worth 3 hours. Additionally, hours are matched when a parent requires childcare to attend a class. For example, if a parent arranges for a babysitter in order to spend an hour in a budget class, then the parent earns two hours of sweat equity.

Generally, sweat equity is earned in the following categories:

• Fi$cal Therapy Classes and Homework: 200-250 hours
• Other Required and Elective Courses: 100-200 hours
• On-site Construction: 100-200 hours
• Report Cards: 100 hours

Once 250 hours have been completed, our families can select a lot where their house will be built. After they complete 500 hours of sweat equity, they can move into their house upon its completion.