How Habitat Works

Each and every day, people all over the world (and all over Will County!) partner with Habitat for Humanity to offer families strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. Through this partnership, each family has the opportunity to build and purchase their own decent home with an affordable mortgage. When hard-working families are surrounded and supported by determined volunteers and generous donors, a future full of opportunity is built. Here’s how Habitat works.

one

the partnership begins

Habitat for Humanity partners with individuals and families to help them achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. Families must have a qualifying housing need, have a steady income, and be willing to partner with Habitat. Learn more about homeownership.

two

property is acquired

Land for a family’s future home is donated to or purchased by Habitat. Habitat also renovates existing homes that are donated or purchased to create safe housing. Would you like to make a tax-deductible land or property donation? Contact us today.

three

resources are secured

Sponsors and donors contribute the financial resources that allow Habitat to secure the required materials and services to build or renovate each home. Businesses and organizations also donate their materials and services as a tax-deductible gift-in-kind. Contact us to learn more.

four

future homeowners prepare

Future homeowners progress through the Habitat partnership by completing sweat equity hours. This includes building their home and the homes of other families, participating in home maintenance and financial literacy courses, and much more.

five

the home is built or renovated

Volunteers contribute their time to build or renovate a family’s home. While serving with Habitat, volunteers will work alongside future homeowners and Habitat site supervisors – no previous experience or skill required. Volunteers are the heart of Habitat for Humanity! Learn more about volunteering with Habitat.

six

the home is sold

Once all of the partnership requirements have been met and the home construction or renovation is complete, the home is sold to the deserving family with a long term, no-profit mortgage. The family or individual now owns a safe, decent, and affordable home.

seven

the cycle repeats

As current Habitat homeowners make payments on their no-profit mortgage, they are helping to fund the construction and renovation of additional homes with other low-income families. Every Habitat for Humanity home, whether new or renovated, has some funding from homeowner house payments and proceeds from Habitat for Humanity ReStore.