How Habitat Serves Our Neighbors
Habitat for Humanity Virginia supports local Habitat organizations throughout the Commonwealth. We don’t build homes directly. Rather, we empower local Habitat chapters to serve more people and build or repair more homes, so they can expand access to truly affordable homeownership in their communities. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the belief that everyone should have a safe, affordable place to call home. To put this principle into action, Habitat organizations partner with individuals, families, and communities to foster homeownership for those with low to moderate income levels.
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It's important to note that Habitat doesn’t give away homes for free. To qualify for Habitat support, applicants must demonstrate need for affordable housing, ability to pay a monthly mortgage, and willingness to partner with Habitat. More details on these criteria are below.
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In addition to building new, affordable homes, many Habitat chapters offer extensive home repair services to help maintain the inventory of affordable homes and allow people to stay in their homes longer.
If you're interested in exploring a potential partnership with Habitat, contact your local Habitat organization to learn more and apply.
Need
Prospective homeowners must demonstrate a need for safe, affordable housing. This need is determined by low income levels (leading to cost-burdened housing), the safety and condition of the current living situation, and special circumstances such as disability or age-related infirmity.
Ability
Prospective homeowners must have the ability to make a monthly mortgage payment. Habitat ensures that the mortgage does not exceed 30% of the homeowner’s gross monthly income. Mortgage income is then used to fund future homes for more families.
Willingness
Prospective homeowners must demonstrate a willingness to partner with Habitat, including contributing "sweat equity"- helping build their own home and/or the homes of other families. Homebuyers also participate in financial and homebuyer education and/or counseling.