What are the circumstances that can lead to a family’s need for decent, affordable housing?
There’s no one answer, as potential Habitat homeowners find themselves faced with a variety of situations: rent increases, overcrowded living conditions, damaged structures, unsafe neighborhoods, lack of access to land or affordable financing, and so much more.
To begin their journey to safe, stable shelter, future Habitat homeowners apply locally and are selected based on our homeowner qualifications. From helping build their own home alongside volunteers to taking financial education classes, homeowners take a hands-on role in the homeownership process.
When families partner with Habitat, they start down a new path. Our surveys show that after purchasing their home, Habitat homeowners faced far fewer barriers to a more stable life: They report better physical health, improved grades for children, increased savings and more. See more about the incredible impact a Habitat home has on families and communities.
Hear from Habitat homeowners
Habitat helps guide homeowners through application, paperwork, financial education, construction – all the way to celebrating alongside them at the closing house dedication!
Hear what Habitat homeowners have to say about their homeownership journey and its impact.
“I was nervous because I had never done anything like this before, but it was simple enough. I sent in the paperwork. I filed it. I went in for the meetings. Everything gets laid out when you’re applying; all the rules are there. There’s nothing that you’re not aware of.”
—Janet, Habitat New York City homeowner
“All of the Habitat homeowners have been taking classes together for months, learning about home maintenance, budgeting, credit, etc., side by side.
It’s been an amazing learning experience, but an ever better bonding experience.”
—Benito, Habitat St. Joseph County homeowner
“The mortgage on our own home will be less than our rent now. With the extra savings, life will be easier. We can own our home faster.
I can spend more time with my family – it will be a relief.”
—Bizimana, Habitat Greater Nashville homeowner
Read about Habitat homeowners
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“It means the world to me. It gives me the actual ability to have my son come over without me having to physically help him up the steps and everything else,” says Robert, who was able to build a new ramp for his home with the support of Habitat and the Wells Fargo Foundation.
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Jose Luis shares his family’s long struggle to become homeowners and what it means to now be able to live in their dream home.
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“Taking a shower and having proper handrails in the tub. The handrail in the hallway for helping us steady ourselves,” Bryant says. “They’re little things, but they’re game-changers when you get older.”