Question 1

Does Habitat for Humanity Virginia build houses?

Accepted Answer

No, we don’t build houses directly. Rather, Habitat for Humanity Virginia serves as the state support agency for local Habitat organizations across the Commonwealth. This role is crucial in advancing affordable homeownership in Virginia. For more than 20 years, we have supported, strengthened, and empowered Virginia chapters of Habitat for Humanity so they can serve more families.

Question 2

What does Habitat for Humanity Virginia do?

Accepted Answer

Habitat for Humanity Virginia administers statewide programs, offers extensive training and support for local Habitat chapters, assists with fundraising efforts, and advocates for quality and affordable homeownership opportunities for more Virginians. As a state support agency, we offer programs and services to meet the needs of local Habitat organizations and facilitate more affordable homeownership opportunities for our neighbors across the Commonwealth.

Question 3

Does Habitat give houses away for free?

Accepted Answer

This is a common misconception about Habitat homes. Habitat does not give homes away for free. Habitat families are required to purchase the houses that Habitat builds. Those families are partners in the build process and pay a monthly mortgage. To even qualify to be considered for a Habitat home, applicants must demonstrate need for affordable housing, ability to pay a monthly mortgage, and willingness to partner with Habitat.

Question 4

What is a ReStore?

Accepted Answer

ReStores are non-profit home improvement stores that directly support local Habitat for Humanity efforts. There are currently more than 20 ReStore locations in Virginia and you can find the closest ReStore to you using this map. Donating items to and/or shopping at a ReStore helps local Habitat organizations fund their operations. Revenue from a ReStore is crucial to Habitat organizations that operate them. It’s an important way you can support Habitat.

Question 5

Why do we need affordable housing?

Accepted Answer

Habitat for Humanity Virginia believes that all Virginians should have access to high quality, affordable homes. Ultimately, everyone needs a place to call home and should be able to afford that home. Paying half or more than half your income on housing, which many people in Virginia are forced to do, isn’t affordable or sustainable. It forces families to cut back on other necessities and makes it more difficult to thrive. Furthermore, the number of homes that would be affordable to working class and low-income families is incredibly small and shrinking further each year. We need to address this housing crisis in Virginia. Habitat homes are one solution that offer more people affordable homeownership opportunities. We believe that more affordable homeownership opportunities will empower our neighbors for success and support local communities.

Question 6

Why did Habitat for Humanity Virginia launch a campaign with GiveSolar?

Accepted Answer

Homeowners earning less than 60% of Area Median Income – the families that Habitat serves – experience a larger housing cost burdens than their middle-income neighbors. Plus, rising electricity prices have further burdened these low-income homeowners, forcing them to choose between paying for electricity and providing basic necessities for their families. In response to these increasing cost burdens, Habitat for Humanity Virginia and GiveSolar have partnered with state and local-level Habitat organizations to expand families’ access to solar, which will make their homes more sustainable, reduce their energy costs, and free up money for other necessities.