Our Mission & Vision

Habitat for Humanity New York City transforms lives and communities by building and preserving affordable homes for hard-working, low-income families – and by uniting all New Yorkers around the cause of affordable housing.

Our vision is a city – better yet, a world – where everyone has a decent place to live.

Founded in 1984 as an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, Habitat NYC has served more than 600 families in the five boroughs through home construction and preservation, beginning with our very first build on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, during the first-ever Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. Since then, Habitat NYC has brought together thousands of New Yorkers each year who become part of the solution to New York’s affordable housing need.

Who We Serve

Habitat homebuyers are of low to moderate income, with a stable employment record and decent credit history. Participants are chosen based on their need, ability to pay, and willingness to fulfill the “sweat equity” component: helping to build their future home or those of their Habitat neighbors. We also improve public spaces, parks and community centers.

How We Work

We are a non-profit housing developer that works with both government agencies and philanthropic donors to offer hard-working New Yorkers “a hand up, not a hand out” helping families to build equity, financial stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership and financial education.

Why Homeownership Matters in NYC

It’s clear there is a housing crisis eroding our city’s culturally rich communities. Habitat NYC homes give families a path towards financial stability and the choice to remain within their communities.

  • "I'm getting so much out of this program, and it's so meaningful to me to do work in the community as part of my sweat equity. Each hour we contribute helps make a difference."
    Jen T.
    Habitat Homeowner

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Our Impact

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Families Served

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Years serving NYC

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Volunteers engaged each year

Habitat for Humanity International Mission

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.