Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven

With the support of constituents from our community, Habitat has built and gut rehabbed 120 homes in the City of New Haven, Wallingford and Hamden. In lieu of substantial cash down payments, future Habitat homebuyer families complete 400 hours of "sweat equity" helping to build their home and make a $600 down payment. Mortgages are held by Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven and mortgages are 25-years and zero percent interest. Homes are sold at below market prices and tend to be in the $98,000 range.   The organization both builds new homes and rehabs historic homes. Every Habitat home is designed by nationally know architect, Duo Dickinson, and the homes are designed to fit with the streetscape. Homes are modestly sized (typically 1,300 square feet), but with an open floor plan that gives them an larger feel. In order to qualify to become a Habitat homebuyer well defined guidelines must be met. Basic requirements are: have a need for housing beyond a desire to own a home, income that falls between 30-60% area median income, and be willing to help build the home.  Habitat homebuyers are required to successfully complete fiscal literacy classes that cover topics such as budgeting, the use of credit, avoiding predatory lending, personal banking, and the differences between renting and homeowning. Fully participating in the home building process gives future homeowners valuable knowledge about their home and its mechanical systems. The organization has a large volunteer program consisting of more than 2,700 people annually. Volunteers assist with building homes, administrative work, and are members of committees that deal with topics such planning, building, property acquisition, partnering with families, & fundraising.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven is dedicated to eliminating poverty housing in the Greater New Haven area through the creation of homeownership opportunities for low-income families. Building neighborhoods and building community, one house, one family at a time.Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven is an affiliate of Habitat International.  Like all affiliates, the organization is independently managed and 100% of the funds needed to build locally come from the local community.