I've found that many folks don't know that Habitat for Humanity is a global organization that operates out of local affiliates. I'm on the Board for our local affiliate here in Cabarrus County.  As real estate professionals/loan officers/escrow agents, it's a natural fit for us to support Habitat and its mission of eliminating poverty housing. Why?  Each Habitat homeowner EARNS the house-they're not free-these are hard-working folks who make substantially less than the average income in the area.  They've qualified for an interest-free loan and must invest a significant number of hours in sweat equity before being eligible for their own home.  Each house that is built produces a taxpayer for the area-not someone draining resources, but giving right back into the community.  And that's just the financial side-you accomplish so much more by building up another human being, building their confidence, and improving the outlook for their children and grandchildren by breaking the cycle of poverty housing.

As this year draws to a close, consider what you can do locally to improve the lives of others.