How the Habitat Program Works

Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent homes with the help of Habitat partner families. Habitat homes are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable, no-interest loans.

Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and the monthly mortgage payments, homeowners are required to put in a minimum of 375 hours for a two-parent family and 325 hours for a single-parent family in sweat equity, the building of their own home.

The Cost of a Habitat Home
The cost of homes vary depending on the size and type but in general, the current estimated cost in Dane County is $90,000. Habitat homes are affordable for low-income families because there is no profit included in the sale price and no interest charged on the mortgage. Mortgage length varies from 20 to 30 years.

The money to build a home is raised through the generous contributions of individuals, churches and faith groups, business and organizations. This money combined with generous “in-kind” donations, the time of hundreds of volunteers and the “sweat equity” of the homeowner enables Habitat for Humanity of Dane County to help bring decent, affordable housing to families in need and to help build a stronger community.

Become a Homeowner
Families in need of decent, affordable homes may pick up an application at an informational meeting held four times a year in January, April, July or October.

Our family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the no-interest loan. Habitat for Humanity of Dane County follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families who receive Habitat homes.

If your family, or a family you know, is in need of decent, affordable housing, please call 255-1549. We will contact you when the next informational meeting will be held.