Frequently Asked Questions

Who are we and what do we do?
Habitat-NYC is a faith-based not for profit organization that transforms lives and neighborhoods as we build affordable homes for ownership and advocate for affordable housing in New York City. Slideshow of who we are.

What is your connection to Habitat for Humanity International?
We are an independently funded affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller. Donations to Habitat International fund housing programs overseas and donations to Habitat-NYC fund housing programs in the boroughs of New York City.

Who is Jimmy Carter?
Our most famous volunteer! Habitat-NYC started building in 1984, when Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter came to build affordable housing on Manhattan’s Lower East Side during Habitat International’s first annual Jimmy Carter Work Project.

Who can volunteer for Habitat-NYC?
We unite people across all races, nationalities, ethnic and religious backgrounds around the cause of decent, affordable housing for everyone.

Who can apply to own a Habitat-NYC home?
› Families currently renting homes with substandard conditions
› Families with incomes between 50% and 80% of New York City’s median income
› Families willing to invest 300 “sweat-equity” hours per adult (limit 600 hours per family)
› Families living in the neighborhoods where we build are given first preference

What makes Habitat-NYC homes affordable for low-income families?
› Community, faith, and corporate sponsorships
› Individual donations
› Volunteer labor
› $1 acquisition cost for land where we build
› Government funding of infrastructure
› “Sweat equity” hours in place of a monetary down payment
› An affordable mortgage

What kind of homes do we build?
Habitat-NYC builds or renovates single-family homes or multiple-family condominium apartments.

What is the cost of a Habitat-NYC home?
Currently it costs us approximately $130,000 to build a home, and it costs the homeowner approximately $600 per month in payments. This builds equity from the start because there is no interest on the mortgage.

How can I obtain a homeownership application?
If you are interested in becoming a Family Partner, please refer to this
site periodically, Own a Habitat Home, or call the application hotline at (212) 991-4000 ext.327 to learn when applications are being accepted.

How can I volunteer?
Individuals, skilled workers in the building trades, groups from companies, congregations, local organizations, and national service volunteers and interns can all lend a hand. Go to Volunteer and follow the links.

How can I donate?
Individuals can send donations, including matching gifts, celebration gifts, monthly pledges in our Sustainer Program and planned giving. Corp-orations, faith groups and local organizations can sponsor homes or send groups for team building. The building trades can arrange in-kind sponsorships of new materials needed in construction. You can also make your tax-deductible donation using our secure online donation form. Go to Donate Funds and Materials and follow the links for more information.