How Habitat Works
We create home ownership opportunities for lower-income families.
Habitat affiliates create opportunities for low-income families to become homeowners, many for the first time in their family’s generational history. Our solution to affordable housing is long term and requires commitment and investment from the homeowner, the community, and Habitat Affiliates. In addition to providing home-ownership, many of our affiliates participate in critical home repairs and rehabilitation.
Go to Find My Habitat to find the affiliate nearest you.
We build sweat equity partnerships.
While most affordable housing providers focus on rental or subsidized mortgages and down payment programs to serve households who are earning up to 80% of area median income (AMI), Habitat for Humanity seeks public and private house sponsors, volunteer labor, and requires that the family invest their time and energy (“sweat equity”) into building their own home and acquiring the necessary skills to become responsible long-term homeowners.
We provide a “hand up” not a handout!
We provide affordable mortgages.
Through these unique partnership efforts, Habitat affiliates can provide affordable mortgages to families whose incomes fall in the range of 30 - 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). The mortgages are then invested in more homes, keeping the cycle of change moving forward. An affordable housing payment is where a family pays NO MORE than 30% of its household income on housing.