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How Habitat Works
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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.
“Living in a Habitat home gave me the opportunity to pursue my dreams and the affordable mortgage allowed me to continue my education. Today, I’m a Nurse Practitioner with United Healthcare and working on my Doctorate. Most importantly, Habitat provided me a HOME, not just a house to raise my boys.”
Homeowner Stories
See how hard work and your support
can change the lives of families right here in Will County.
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.
HOW TO APPLY
Learn more about our homeownership program requirements, needs requirements, and how to apply.