Lake County >> The state of California has made it easier for those filing income taxes to support Habitat for Humanity in the mission to provide, safe, decent, accessible and affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity is now included among the list of potential donor sites to select when filing a California state income tax return.
By checking box 428 on their return, tax filers are able to donate the amount of their choosing to Habitat for Humanity. Funds collected will be used to improve housing conditions in the county and provide a better quality of life for families in need.
There is significant need within the county for decent, affordable housing. Lake County has one of the highest levels of unemployment and lowest levels of income in the state. Particularly in Clearlake, where the housing stock is older and consists of a high number of mobile homes, the cost of available rental housing is disproportionate to the income levels of many families in the area.
According to the most recent Housing Element report, 22 percent of Clearlake’s housing stock is older than 50 years, with an additional 44 percent being older than 30 years. In the latest housing condition survey, it was revealed that 74 percent of the City’s housing is in need of rehabilitation.
Many families are forced to forego basic needs in order to have any shelter at all. Of those who do own their homes, Lake County has a significant number of seniors, veterans, disabled individuals and low-income families who are physically or financially unable to manage the upkeep of their homes.
This is where Habitat for Humanity Lake County comes in. It has been building homes since 2001. Starting in 2010, Habitat for Humanity Lake County has also undertaken the mission of providing repair services to in-need residents who have owned their homes. Funding for these projects comes from a variety of sources, from grants, gifts and donations from corporations and private residents.
By contributing to Habitat for Humanity through this new state tax return donation option, California filers can help other California residents have safe, adequate housing.
