In Dallas, Habitat families are selected based on need and the ability to pay a $900 escrow payment and the mortgage. The $55,000 homes are financed interest-free over 25 years.

Families must give 400 hours of sweat equity, including 100 hours building their own home.

Families must have been Dallas County residents for a year, have one to 8 persons, and have steady income for two years.

If families do not make their payments, Habitat will take back their house.

Habitat is a Christian organization, but Habitat families are selected without regard to race, religion, or ethnicity. Nationally, one-third of Habitat owners are Anglo, and two-thirds are people of color. In Dallas, 70 percent are Hispanic and 29 percent are African American.

Houses are built with donated materials and volunteer labor from individuals, churches, foundations, and corporations.