Frequent Questions

Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes with and for families, couples and individuals in need of housing.

No! The families with whom we partner pay an affordable mortgage for their home.

Habitat families are working families living or working within our service area for at least one year, whose income falls between 30-80% of the area median income as established by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (based on US census statistics). Every family completes an extensive application.
Families are selected based on three criteria: the need for shelter, willingness to partner, and the ability to pay an affordable mortgage.

NEED FOR SHELTER
The need for adequate shelter is measured by the condition of the family’s current housing, including the structural safety, integrity, and mechanical function of the home. Also considered is the size of the living quarters, whether the situation is temporary, the cost of housing, and the family’s income.

ABILITY TO PAY AN AFFORDABLE MORTGAGE
We determine that a family has sufficient income if 30% of their income can go towards the mortgage and escrow payment. In determining the family's ability to pay, we do a full financial profile, including the family’s debt-to-income ratio, monthly payment consistency, credit score, and history of bankruptcy, liens, and judgments.

WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER
The following factors are used to determine whether families are willing to partner with Habitat. Habitat will consider whether the family:
Participated in pre-screening contact and engaged in a home visit.
Attend Habitat functions.
Provided necessary documentation and references.
Expressed a desire to make this community their permanent home.
Is comfortable with credit and reference evaluations.
Recognizes the responsibility of homeownership.
Realizes that Habitat needs active partners.

Our organization takes our privacy policy seriously and takes steps to protect and ensure the safety of our supporters. We do not sell or otherwise disclose information about our volunteers or supporters outside of our immediate organization. This policy has no exceptions. We do not sell or exchange your information with any other organizations, public, private or nonprofit.

Sweat equity is the hands-on involvement of future homeowner families in the construction of Habitat homes. It is essential in building the partnership between the families and Habitat staff and volunteers. Every family selected by Habitat must complete sweat equity hours.

The following will be required by each family:
250 hours total per single adult family-each household member over the age of 16 years old must contribute to the total hours.
500 hours per two “or more” adult family- each household member over the age of 16 years old must contribute to the total hours.
80 hours can be contributed by friends and family (anyone not currently residing in your home).
40 hours can be used for non-construction activities; i.e. attendance for required educational workshops, attendance of approved budgeting/finance classes, home repairs/construction classes through other organizations, work on a Habitat committee, fundraising event, speaking on behalf of Habitat at a scheduled speaking engagement or at the ReStore.
Sweat equity hours are tracked and all hours must be completed before purchasing the home.

Fauquier Habitat relies on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and the faith community. We receive limited government funding to defray the high cost of infrastructure. Mortgage payments are used to support our home building efforts as well as proceeds from the ReStore.

We’re always on the lookout for individuals like you wanting to get involved. Visit our How To Help section to find out ways to donate or volunteer.

Yes, we are a global nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. All who desire to be a part of this work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background. We believe in building with people in need irrespective of race or religion. We welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds.