Homeownership
Habitat is a partnership between families, volunteers and donors working together to improve the living conditions of families in the East Bay. New partner families join our larger Habitat family—here in the East Bay, we are almost 200 households, 550 Habitat kids and tens of thousands of volunteers! We carefully select families for each house we build and stay connected with them throughout the construction process and even after they move in. Our homeowners are not receiving a handout, they are getting a hand up, as well as the safety and security of owning a home. Habitat homes are affordable due to zero-interest mortgages, volunteer labor and community support. Habitat homeowners invest 500 hours of “sweat equity” in the construction of their home, and are responsible for monthly mortgage payments and upkeep of their home.
The Habitat Model
Successful Habitat partner families enjoy special benefits and bear different responsibilities from people who purchase homes on the open market. First of all, our partner families pay affordable mortgages-- around 30% of their gross monthly income.
Our homes cost less because we rely on volunteer labor, and partner families must be willing to contribute 500 hours towards the construction of their new home. From family selection to construction, homeownership through Habitat takes more time than securing a conventional mortgage (on average, selection takes 5-6 months, and construction between 8 and 12). If you are looking for more immediate housing, please consider other non-profit affordable housing providers in the East Bay.
Here in the East Bay, we believe that homeownership is one important step to empowering neighborhoods and families. For this reason our partner families are encouraged to attend first time homeowner workshops, learn more about home maintenance, landscaping, and financial literacy and participate in community building events from picnics to neighborhood watch meetings.
There are several specific requirements to be a Habitat homeowner. To find out more visit How to Apply.
Is Homeownership through Habitat for me?
Do you:
- Enjoy working with new people—volunteers, staff, other homeowners?
- Have interest in forming a community with your new neighbors?
- Have the time and energy to complete 500 hours of sweat equity work?
- Have the commitment to being a successful homeowner—by attending homeowner education workshops, leadership trainings, making timely mortgage payments, and maintaining upkeep of your home after moving in?
